Karla Grant Presents: July 13

Monday’s episode of Karla Grant Presents shines a light on ordinary families doing extraordinary things, with the Hartas family is a household of 13.

Writer / director Dean Gibson comments “It has been ” privilege to spend time with the Hartas family and share in the rollercoaster of their modern, busy life. They debunk myths of modern Indigenous life and show the world that our homes are a special repository for stories that shape our lives. My Family Matters will inspire, it will challenge and it will motivate us all to look differently on how we ‘do family’.”

While most of us struggle to get two kids off to school each day, the Hartas family in Ipswich work as a finely tuned machine to run their household of 13 – and they make it look easy. Despite the challenges they face, this is a family firmly held together by love.

For Wiradjuri couple Sarah and Kirt Hartas, there is never a dull moment in their household of ten children. Big sister Jamarlah (22) lives locally but is always there to help, especially with her sister Karmara (20) who is expecting her first baby. Mornings are hectic as Tahlia (16), Tyrell (15), Nikita (14), Kumani (13), Shanequa (10), Kyrone (9) and Milika (7) get ready for school, while Jermaine (18) somehow manages to sleep through the noise. Diagnosed at three days old with Edwards’ Syndrome, Milika adds an extra level of complexity to the family. While his survival has defied all odds, it doesn’t come without its challenges.

My Family Matters is a celebration of modern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and the everyday role models that exist within them. Filmed over 8 weeks, this observational documentary captures the Hartas’ urban family life, following the family as they deal with their youngest child’s disability, prepare for the arrival of their daughter’s new baby and plan a big surprise for Kirt at a family BBQ. What shines through is the Hartas family’s strength of character, community spirit and pride in their cultural heritage. Their everyday life highlights positive role modelling, living with a disability and how culture is entwined in modern Aboriginal life.

My Family Matters is written and directed by Dean Gibson, written and produced by Helen Morrison, produced by Kylie Pascoe and edited by Tane Matheson. A Bacon Factory Films production presented by National Indigenous Television (NITV) and Screen Queensland.

Monday July 13 at 8.30pm on NITV.