First Day wins International Kids Emmy

ABC ME drama First Day has won an International Kids Emmy Award.

The series produced by South Australia’s Epic Films production in association with KOJO Studios stars Evie Macdonald as transgender student Hannah Bradford and follows her experiences in her second year at Hillview High School.

It picked up the Live Action category at the International Kids Emmy Awards announced online overnight, defeating entries from Argentina, Netherlands and Philippines. It has previously been recognised by the Rose d’Or Awards, GLAAD Media Awards, Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, AACTA Awards, ATOM Awards and Kidscreen Awards.

CEO of the South Australian Film Corporation Kate Croser, who also produced the series prior to her role at the SAFC, said: “This is not only a huge win for First Day’s South Australian production companies Epic Films and KOJO, and for South Australia’s screen sector at large, but a huge win for kindness and integrity in storytelling and authentic on-screen representation.

“The SAFC is so proud to have supported this ground-breaking and multi award-winning children’s series which has been a trailblazer for diversity both on and off screen, heralding young star Evie Macdonald as Australia’s first transgender actor in a leading role on Australian television.

“Congratulations to South Australian co-producer Kirsty Stark of Epic Films and Kate Butler of KOJO, writer, director and co-producer Julie Kalceff and the entire cast and crew whose work and commitment is rewarded with this prestigious international award.”

Producer Kirsty Stark said “First Day is the combined effort of our incredible cast, crew and supporters to bring an important story to the screen, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has been involved throughout the journey. An Emmy is a significant award and we’re thrilled that even more trans kids around the world will now have the opportunity to see themselves represented on TV.”

Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s, said: “First Day is a stunning team effort with an incredible cast and crew, who have delivered a world-class show with a commitment to creativity and excellence.

“Congratulations to writer/director Julie Kalceff for her brilliant creative vision and producers Kirsty Stark, Kate Croser and Kate Butler for bringing this very special series to screen. Thanks also to ABC Children’s, Screen Australia, the SAFC and ACTF for their support.

“Australian stories are celebrated internationally for their authenticity, honesty and ambition. The ABC is proud to play a leading role in showcasing our homegrown content and creativity on the world stage.”

South Australia’s Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said “I congratulate South Australian producer Kirsty Stark of Epic Films and producer Kate Croser and co-producer Kate Butler of KOJO and the entire First Day team on their Emmy win – a remarkable achievement that further cements the international reputation of South Australia’s growing screen industry.”

Season 2 will premiere on ABC ME next year.

Kate Butler of KOJO, Kirsty Stark of Epic Films with SAFC CEO Kate Croser.

Winners in bold:

Kids: Live-Action

First Day
Epic Films / Australian Children’s Television Foundation
Australia

Gameboys
The IdeaFirst Company
Philippines

Heirs Of The Night
Lemming Film / Hamster Film / Maze Pictures / Maipo Film / NDR / NRK / AVROTROS / Scope Pictures / ZDF Enterprises
Netherlands

Nivis Amigos de otro mundo (Nivis: Friends from Another World)
Buena Vista International / Metrovision / Non Stop Digital
Argentina

Kids: Animation

Mush-Mush and The Mushables
La Cabane Productions / Thuristar and Cake Entertainment
France

Petit
Pájaro / NonStop / Pakapaka / Señal Colombia
Chile

Shaun The Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom
Aardman
United Kingdom

Tish Tash
Studio Gale / Big Crunch Entertainment / Korea Educational Broadcasting System
South Korea

Kids: Factual & Entertainment

Ahlan Simsim
Sesame Workshop / Jordan Pioneers
Jordan

My Life: Picture Perfect
Big Deal Films
United Kingdom

Scars of Life
De Mensen
Belgium

The Voice Kids
Globo / ITV Studios / John de Mol
Brazil