Screen Australia announced $4.15 million in production investment funding for 15 new documentaries through the Documentary Producer and Commissioned programs. The projects include a companion piece to upcoming SBS drama Sunshine; actor Sam Neill’s voyage through the Pacific as he retraces and interrogates the impact of Captain Cook’s travels; and a chronicle of 76 female scientists’ landmark expedition to the southernmost continent in the world, Antarctica. This is the final documentary funding announcement for the 2016/17 financial year.

“Over the past year we have supported 48 documentary titles through our Commissioned and Producer programs, distributing $12 million to the sector,” said Liz Stevens, Senior Manager of Documentary at Screen Australia. “Audiences will be able to watch around 98 hours of documentary content funded by Screen Australia on TV, online, at cinemas, film festivals and community screenings. This diverse and exciting slate of projects demonstrates the incredible richness of Australian stories and storytellers – whether it’s a jackaroo changing the lives of disaffected youths in rural NSW, or the musicians and politicians who shaped a generation. It is a privilege to fund programs that will add to audiences’ understanding of the world.”