Airdate: Riot

ABC has released an impressive trailer for its upcoming telemovie Riot.

The tale, starring Damon Herriman, Kate Box, Xavier Samuel and Jessica de Gouw, dramatises Australia’s 1970s Gay Rights Movement and the origins of the activism that led to Australia’s most famous street parade.

Produced by Werner Film Productions and based on real people and real events, it will screen on Sunday 25th February at 8.30pm.

Lance Gowland (Damon Herriman) is a devoted activist, steadfast and dedicated to actively fighting for his beliefs while juggling family, work and relationships. With the system against them and ever-present adversity, including police brutality, legislative persecution, social shunning, job dismissal and general violence, Gowland and his fellow activists decide to come out fighting in their celebration of diversity.

Over the years, their resolve is tested, and by 1978, when the push to decriminalize homosexuality has seemingly stalled, they decide on a new tactic of a celebratory mardi gras in hopes of garnering wider public support.

Securing a permit for a legal protest, on the evening of June 24, in recognition of Gay Solidarity Day, a small but passionate group collect behind a truck driven by Lance, to stage a street party and joyfully declare their pride. The night will be marked by great violence, but the ramifications will pave the way for equality, and the establishment of a world-renowned parade that continues to celebrate the spirit of these brave, pioneering men and women.

Production Credits: A Werner Film Productions made for the ABC, with major production investment from ABC Television and Screen Australia, in association with Create NSW. Produced by Joanna Werner and Louise Smith. Executive Producer Joanna Werner. Directed by Jeffrey Walker. Story by Carrie Anderson. Written by Greg Waters. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Alastair McKinnon. ABC Head of Scripted Production Sally Riley.

8:30pm Sunday February 25 on ABC.