AIDC Awards 2021: winners

Winners of the Australian International Documentary Conference Awards were announced last night at ACMI in Melbourne and live streamed to delegates around the country.

The Stanley Hawes Award was also presented to Michaela Perske, the company director and principal producer of Pursekey Films.

The ceremony, in conjunction with the Closing Night Party presented by SBS, marks the conclusion of the four-day conference, which saw 100+ local and international speakers, 40+ sessions and 90+ decision makers meeting online with hundreds of delegates.

Michael Carrington, ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist, said of ABC winners, “The best documentaries reflect the world as it is, was and could be. They explore the big issues of this country and its people, while not shying away from the harsh truths about where we are falling short as a nation

“These AIDC Awards are testament to the creative vision of content makers across the ABC and our production partners, and their dedication to bringing a real slice of life to our audiences.”

Winners in Bold:

Best Feature Documentary

The Australian Dream
Daniel Gordon, Good Thing Productions & Passion Pictures, Australia/UK, 2019.
Jury Statement: In collaboration with Stan Grant, what Gordon finds in the story of Adam Goodes’ disgraceful public discrimination is potent, eloquent, troubling. Ultimately a story of resilience, both of a man, and a people; a stridently articulated challenge to Australia to consider the true meaning and making of its history, and a film that deserves to reach all Australians, and beyond.

Brazen Hussies
Catherine Dwyer, Philippa Campey, Andrea Foxworthy, Film Camp, Australia, 2020.

Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra
Nel Minchin, Wayne Blair, Ivan O’Mahoney, In Films, Australia, 2020.

The Leunig Fragments
Kasimir Burgess, Philippa Campey, Film Camp, Australia, 2019.

Best Documentary / Factual Series

Love on the Spectrum
Cian O’Clery, Jenni Wilks, Karina Holden, Northern Pictures Australia, 2019.

Miriam Margolyes Almost Australian
Liz Allen, Ross Wilson, Laurie Critchley, Aline Jacques, Southern Pictures, Australia, 2020.
Jury Statement: A refreshing modern portrait of Australia. A feast for the senses for so many of us locked down at home. A pleasure to watch for both young and old. Miriam was an unexpected and inspired choice who made it fun, honest, charismatic, smart, delightfully self-deprecating and masterful with her interactions.

Revelation
Nial Fulton and Sarah Ferguson, In Films, Australia, 2020

The jury also gave a special mention to Love on the Spectrum, saying “[it] grabs you from the first minute and never lets you go.”

Best Documentary / Factual Single

Freeman
Laurence Billiet in collaboration with Stephen Page, General Strike & Matchbox Pictures, Australia, 2020.

Maralinga Tjarutja
Larissa Behrendt, Darren Dale, Jacob Hickey, Blackfella Films, Australia, 2020

Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky
Steven McGregor, Steven Oliver, Anna Grieve, Danielle McLean, Steve Thomas, Kath Symmons, Tamarind Tree Pictures & Roar Film, Australia, 2020.
Jury Statement: Looky Looky Here Comes Cooky flips Australian history as written and revered by the victors and provides an alternative view through music and comedy. The approach invites conversations with ALL Australians.

Best Interactive / Immersive Documentary

ecosphere
Joseph Purdam, PHORIA, Australia, USA, United Kingdom, 2020.

Mt Resilience
Emma Morris, PHORIA & ABC in partnership with CSIRO & BOM, Australia, 2020
Jury Statement: This augmented reality experience about climate and disaster resilience in Australian towns deftly combines ambitious technological approach and creative vision, packaging diverse story elements in a coherent and seamlessly designed way.

Story Line
Mike Clay, Rebecca Metcalf, John-Paul Marin, The Feed & SBS Creative Labs, Australia, 2020