Screen Australia Funds 44 Bold, Authentic Docs

Projects include Australian and New Zealand co-production Atomic Paradise, major series TAMPA: The Ship That Turned the Tide, and more.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Screen Australia has announced funding for 44 documentary projects that reflect the depth and diversity of Australian stories. The projects include a range of topics, from historical interrogations and intimate character studies to timely geopolitical examinations, natural history epics, and fresh digital-first storytelling.

Why it matters

The funded projects showcase the ambition and innovation of Australian documentarians, as they bring unique perspectives to local and global audiences. The diverse range of stories and storytelling approaches highlights the strength and creativity of the Australian documentary sector.

The details

The 44 documentaries will share in $5.6 million across production and development funding. Some of the supported projects include TAMPA: The Ship That Turned the Tide, an in-depth look at the 'Tampa crisis'; Atomic Paradise, a cinematic experience that reclaims the Pacific's nuclear testing history through a First Nations lens; Empire In Colour, a co-production with Canada that uses newly colorized archival footage to explore the lasting impact of the British Empire; Tina Arena: Unravel Me, which reveals five extraordinary decades of the pop icon's career; The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal, the shocking life story of an internet icon; Tastes of Africa, an online series that takes viewers across Melbourne's African-Australian kitchens and eateries; and The Wombat Guy, a 24-part social media series about a wildlife rescuer.

  • Screen Australia announced the funding on February 24, 2026.

The players

Screen Australia

The Australian government agency that provides funding and support for the film, television, and digital media industries.

Mint Pictures

The award-winning production company behind TAMPA: The Ship That Turned the Tide.

John Harvey

The award-winning First Nations director of Atomic Paradise.

Tina Arena

The pop icon featured in the documentary Tina Arena: Unravel Me.

Heath Davis

The multi-award-winning director and producer of The Man Who Ate a Succulent Chinese Meal.

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What they’re saying

“From brave historical interrogations and intimate character studies to timely geopolitical examinations, natural history epics and fresh digital‑first storytelling, these stories reflect a sector unafraid to innovate and to speak with authentic and diverse voices.”

— Richard Huddleston, Head of Documentary, Screen Australia (Mirage News)

The takeaway

The diverse range of documentary projects funded by Screen Australia showcases the creativity, ambition, and commitment to authentic storytelling within the Australian documentary sector. These projects will bring unique perspectives to local and global audiences, reflecting the depth and diversity of Australian stories.