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SBS drama Latecomers to screen at Series Mania

Digital drama on sex and disability is heading to Short Forms competition in Lille, France.

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SBS digital drama Latecomers has been selected in the Short Forms competition for Series Mania taking place in France next month.

Delving into the intricacies of sex and disability the series sees lovelorn Frank and Sarah form a reluctant bond over their shared disability when their able-bodied friends hook up at a bar.

Featuring Hannah Diviney in her first ever acting role alongside actor and co-creator Angus Thompson, it screened on SBS VICELAND in December.

Scripted Commissioning Editors Loani Arman and Donna Chang, said, “We’re so incredibly proud of this series and the courageous and talented team behind it who are receiving such well-deserved recognition on the global stage. Latecomers showcases fresh voices and challenges stereotypes in a way we haven’t seen before, connecting with and capturing the hearts of audiences – we can’t wait to see the reaction as it takes on the world at Series Mania.

“It also demonstrates the power and potential of Digital Originals, an initiative we’re so proud of which is providing an important platform for a new wave of television creatives from under-represented backgrounds who are changing the future of Australian storytelling.”

Liam Heyen, Producer, said, “Making Latecomers has been such a fulfilling journey for all of us in front and behind the camera. It’s so thrilling to be taking the show to Series Mania in Lille, France, and after such a wonderful response locally we’re excited to hear what the international industry and audience has to say. This international recognition of Latecomers is more proof that stories told authentically can reach great heights and I hope it encourages filmmakers from historically underrepresented communities to keep telling their stories proudly and confidently.”

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3 Responses

  1. SBS had a scripted series from 1996 titled House Gang that explored the topic of disabilities. It wasn’t a big show, but it was evocative because they were going into subject matters that are important, and used humour and comedy as a way of endearing viewers and public in general.

    It wasn’t too common to see people with disabilities back then. I think it’s important that all parts of society are represented on TV focusing on the positive aspects to feel a sense of belonging and to promote well-being.

    I’ve heard on a couple of occasions things like viewers usually or mostly see people that look like what they look like on Border Security. It’s important to have factuals as well, but representation of various groups can be multifaceted. Maybe SBS could do an airport show from a different perspective other than airport customs.

      1. Yes thanks for the reminder. I remember now that you wrote an article about that last year, and it’s being made with ITV Studios Australia. I hope there will be some updates on Inside Sydney Airport if available.

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