Image: Authentic ZK participants from top left - Jillian Bowie, Fletcher Glover, Ella Kris and Kantesha Ward
Screen Queensland has announced the four selected microfilm projects to be produced for the ABC as part of the agency's Authentic ZK initiative to elevate the experience of emerging filmmakers from the Torres Strait.
Jillian Bowie, Fletcher Glover, Ella Kris and Kantesha Ward, all from Thursday Island, will be supported to produce short-form factual screen stories showcasing the unique history and inspiring community members of their region.
The talent development program is delivered by Screenworks in partnership with the ABC and Torres Strait Islanders Media Association (TSIMA) and includes $5,000 in funding towards each project, as well as mentoring from Shontell Ketchell of Pandamonium Films (Tastes of the Tropics: Troppo Kitchen, Sistas in Mining) and Ben Southwell (Walkabouts,Damari and Guyula and Bondi Rescue).
Danielle Ah Boo, Screen Queensland's Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, said that the selected filmmakers have an important opportunity to connect audiences with the people and stories of the Torres Strait in an accessible way, all while gaining vital production experience with a major broadcaster.
"The richness of the ideas pitched to us was so undeniable that we were compelled to increase the number of projects supported to four stories," she said.
"Through Authentic ZK we are helping to grow the next generation of storytellers from the Torres Strait by providing them with the skills and knowledge to share our culture with a global audience."
Diat Alferink, CEO of TSIMA said, "The Torres Strait Islanders Media Association is excited to be supporting creatives back home here in the Zenadth Kes and we look forward to the short documentaries produced out of this initiative."
Kelrick Martin, ABC Head of Indigenous said: "The ABC is proud to partner on the Authentic ZK initiative to help develop and elevate storytellers from the Torres Strait and I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the four projects selected. We're honoured to help share the many perspectives, histories and lived experiences of the Torres Strait with audiences across the country."
Lisa O'Meara, CEO of Screenworks said, "Congratulations to the talented filmmakers and storytellers who have been selected for Authentic ZK. We look forward to supporting the development and production of their authentic and culturally rich stories from the Torres Strait Islands-and in collaboration with the ABC, Screen Queensland and TSIMA, bringing their short films to audiences Australia wide and beyond."
AUTHENTIC ZK PROJECTS
Dabad, and the truth behind Zulai Wan from Jillian Bowie offers a fresh perspective on the impact of Christianity in the Torres Strait by exploring the narratives behind Zulai Wan (July One), Coming of the Light, a significant cultural event celebrating the arrival of the Gospel that changed the course of history.
The Gift from Fletcher Glover considers new ways to entice young people from the Torres Strait Islands to continue traditional practices by highlighting the story of one of his grandfathers, Sedrick Waia, a dance master and one of the last makers of the Dhibal (traditional headdress) from Saibai Island.
Songs of Wind and Sea from Ella (Ethies) Kris seeks to inspire the next generation to lead language revitalisation through song, dance and culture through Kevin, a local Land and Sea Ranger, and a proud young cultural warrior who entwines art, language and connection to the environment to honour his Elders.
From the Top from Kantesha Ward is a deeply personal project about her husband Corey Ward. After retiring from the banking industry at just 33 years of age, Corey is passionate about providing young Torres Strait Islanders with the tools for financial literacy, but his story is about much more than money.
The selected projects will be produced in early 2026 before being released by the ABC later in the year.
Authentic ZK is delivered as part of Screen Queensland's North Queensland Regional Program.
