SBS renews Go Back To Where You Came From
SBS renews its ground-breaking doco for a 3rd season, as one of 13 new projects funded by Screen Australia.
- Published by David Knox
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SBS has renewed its ground-breaking documentary series Go Back To Where You Came From, despite previous comments that it was “unlikely” to revisit the series having explored all its options for a third season.
It is one of several documentaries for SBS, ABC, Foxtel and Seven which have been funded by Screen Australia.
Screen Australia funded 13 projects with over $3.8 million in support, as eight one-off documentaries and five series.
Other SBS docos include DNA Nation, Harry, SMGR, and Struggle Street tackling themes on Indigenous, western Sydney, religion and sports stars.
ABC docos include Priscilla: Monster in a Party Frock, Stop Laughing This is Serious, Call Me Dad, The Great Australian Fly, Kids Unplugged, and Missing Ingredient which look at stories about gays, comedy, parenting, insects and donor dads.
A Foxtel doco on ANZACs and a Seven crime doco also received funding.
SBS Director of Television Tony Iffland said: “These commissions respond to the ever growing thirst for diverse Australian stories told through the unique SBS lens.
“DNA Nation, Harry and Struggle Street will lead SBS viewers through a process of personal discovery in a way never before seen. The return of one of our strongest series, Go Back to Where you Came From, reminds us that some important issues refuse to go away and deserve compelling examination and discussion.”
“These projects are explorations of identity, whether of a race, a nation, a man or an ideal. They will push audiences to challenge who they are as a person and contribute to the national debate about what it means to be Australian.”
Screen Australia’s Senior Manager of Documentary, Liz Stevens, said, “We are excited about this final round of well-researched projects that will entertain and inform. Appealing to a wide audience the projects should stimulate conversation about contemporary concerns such as parenting, poverty and identity.”
National Documentary Program (NDP)
DNA Nation (working title)
3 x 52 mins
Blackfella Films Pty Ltd
Producers Darren Dale, Jacob Hickey
Writer Jacob Hickey
Broadcaster SBS
Sales SBS Distribution
Synopsis: This is an epic story of genetic time travel. A story about who we are, where we came from and how we are all related to one another.
Priscilla: Monster in a Party Frock
1 x 57 mins
Jungleboys FTV Pty Ltd
Producers Jo-anne McGowan, Jason Burrows, Jen Peedom
Director Paul Clarke
Writers Paul Clarke, Alex Barry
Broadcaster ABC
Sales ABC Commercial
Synopsis: Monster in a Party Frock is the story of how an unlikely film changed the course of history and brought a celebration of gay culture to the world.
Stop Laughing, This is Serious
3 x 57 mins
Screentime Pty Ltd
Executive Producers Jennifer Collins, Bob Campbell
Producers/Writers Paul Horan, Paul Clarke
Broadcaster ABC
Sales ABC Commercial
Synopsis Stop Laughing:This Is Serious is a documentary series exploring the history of Australian comedy for ABC1.
General Documentary Program (GDP)
Battlefields
6 x 24 mins
For Valour Pty Ltd.
Producers Michael Tear, Harriet Pike
Director Serge Ou
Writer Michael Cove
Broadcaster FOXTEL History Channel
Synopsis: How the ANZACs met and defeated the main force of the enemy on the Western Front.
Call Me Dad
1 x 57 mins
Media Stockade Pty Ltd.
Producers Madeleine Hetherton, Rebecca Barry, Ester Harding
Director/Writer Sophie Wiesner
Broadcaster ABC
Synopsis: In the midst of a silent yet devastating epidemic of fatherlessness, this is a film about fathers at risk of or struggling with broken families whose children are vulnerable. Now, through a men’s program, they each have the chance to regain what’s lost, to transform himself and earn another shot at the title, ‘Dad’.
Go Back To Where You Came From
3 x 52 mins
Cordell Jigsaw Productions Pty Ltd
Executive Producers Nick Murray, Michael Cordell
Producer/Director Rick McPhee
Broadcaster SBS
Sales Cordell Jigsaw Distribution
Synopsis: With major changes to government policy on boat arrivals, six Australians with strong views on the issue, embark on a life changing journey which will challenge their opinions to the very core.
The Great Australian Fly
1 x 57 mins
360 Degree Films Pty Ltd
Producer Sally Ingleton
Director Tosca Looby
Writers Tosca Looby, Sally Ingleton
Broadcaster ABC
Sales ZED Sales
Synopsis: How a national nuisance helped shape Australia.
Harry
1 x 52 mins
Jotz Productions Pty Ltd
Producer Tom Zubrycki
Director/Writer Jeff Daniels
Broadcaster SBS
Synopsis: The story of an immigrant boy from Brazil who becomes an AFL star. A black man in a white world, Harry searches for his own identity in a country and culture that he feels never really accepts him. From the slums of Rio de Janeiro to the dizzying heights of Australian celebrity this is the story of a boy who becomes a man by forging his own perilous path through other’s expectations.
Kids Unplugged
1 x 57 mins
360 Degree Films Pty Ltd
Executive Producer Sally Ingleton
Producers Sally Ingleton, Alex Tarney, Tosca Looby
Directors/Writers Tosca Looby, Alex Tarney
Broadcaster ABC
Synopsis: ‘Slow coach’ Carl Honore has five weeks to turn three busy families from stressed and hectic, to happy and unhurried – via the power of ‘slow’.
Missing Ingredient
1 x 57 mins
Licketty Split Pty Ltd
Executive Producer John Moore
Producer Lisa Horler
Director/Writer Lucy Paplinska
Broadcaster ABC
Synopsis: Missing Ingredient is an intimate and cautionary tale about secrets surrounding sperm donation … and the donor conceived adults – and donors – who are demanding some answers.
SMGR
1 x 52 mins
Artemis International
Producers Celia Tait, Brian Beaton
Director/Writer Russel Vines
Broadcaster SBS
Synopsis: Celebrated comedian and writer journeys to the East to discover the oldest religion in the world to help him better understand his own relationship with God.
Struggle Street
3 x 52 mins
KEO Films Australia Pty Ltd
Producers Leonie Lowe, David Galloway
Broadcaster SBS
Sales Hat Trick International
Synopsis: A three-part observational documentary series that will feature the voices and stories of a cross-section of struggling western Sydney residents and families as they try to get by, despite overwhelming personal and social challenges.
WKCR
1 x 55 mins
Artemis International Pty Ltd
Producers Brian Beaton, Celia Tait
Director Michael Muntz
Writer Michael Muntz, Celia Tait
Broadcaster Channel 7
Synopsis: A murder investigation and trial divides a city, and the legal fraternity.
14 Responses
I’m wondering if one of the stunts on the new Go Back… will be putting people in a “lifeboat” or whatever it is called. Or would that be too dangerous?
As for people watching it I won’t be surprised if it’ll rate pretty high for SBS again. Probably because of it being mentioned on the radio. Also possibly if it is controversial enough again because it’ll be mentioned on other News services so will possibly have 2-3 million people be exposed to it existing. So some of them will be curious enough to watch.
If I’m permitted to say I suspect I won’t watch. But not because I’m not interested nor because of the lack of publicity. It’s mentioned in previous Go Back… articles if anyone is curious as to why.
..and just to add, yes there have been a very few tragic incidents, especially at the centre set up by the previous alp govt, but the body count in the sea around xmas island is now zero….take your pick?
The last time an open door policy took place in Australia was around 1788, the ongoing result decimated all aspects of life of the indigenous population.
As a country we need to play a role helping, assisting and supporting folk around the world, but this has to be a controllable, measured response
OK I guess I kicked off the debate about the need/desire for a 3rd series of GoBack.
There is little point to it, it has been done and done very well. People who have been moved by it may well have adjusted their opinions. There are always new wars and conflicts evey year causing population movements or folk fleeing oppression. What would be better would be an undercover doco exposing the people making money out of these fairly desperate folk.
A recent poll shows that a large element of the Australian population are happy with the new arrangements, opinion has shifted. There will never be a majority in favour of an open door, roll up, wade in policy. So I ask those of you that say the situation has deteriorated…were you happier when there were hundreds of bodies floating inthe sea, as there isn’t now?
Excuse me for butting in but I can see both David’s and Dr_Rudi’s points of view. I think that one of the issues with programs like Go Back… is that, essentially, they preach to the converted; ie well-informed caring individuals such as yourselves. Unfortunately, “middle Australia” (whatever that means) is unlikely to watch anything on SBS let alone a worthy program such as this.
Ultimately, I think a third season is worth doing, even if the likely end result is no obvious (immediate) change for the better.
Again, your definition of ‘result’ differs from mine as I believe both demonstrated wider discussion. Real change starts with you and me voting at the ballot box, not from a television show, or by becoming actively involved at a grass roots level as you noted.
It’s generally at this point of ongoing reader comments that I think to myself ‘you two now need to get a room’ so we’ll agree to disagree and watch different shows when it airs. I will heed my own advice and if you wish to discuss further reach me via Contact page. Thanks.
Hi David,
If you’re happy to continue the conversation …
“What’s changed is, as you’ve indicated, a worse than ever situation.”
So, two series have not improved the situation. Why will a third make an improvement? To keep doing the same thing and expect a different result is insanity. (Einstein, possibly, or Franklin).
‘Discussion’ is neither here nor there – take a listen to commercial talk back radio – real change is needed. And the evidence suggests GB won’t provide it.
And, I suspect you suspect, I am far from complacent on this matter. There are a number of support groups offering friendship, support, and visits to asylum seekers in detention (those that are left on our soil at least).
You can tweet MPs (very public), write to Minister Morrison (he has to respond, which at least annoys his staff), sign petitions and send letters, challenge colleagues…
David, I said nothing has changed in the hearts and minds of the majority of Australians. I’d welcome your evidence to the contrary.
Nothing has changed (for the better) in how we treat asylum seekers.
Let me put it another way.
Depsite two series of GB, the Australian public haven’t changed their mind or their hearts (as measured by their voting behaviour) about asylum seekers. Despite two series of GB, the Government’s treatment of asylum seekers is now (arguably) worse than ever.
I don’t see a third series changing either the hearts and minds of the average punter, nor the hearts and minds of the current government.
In that sense, I don’t see anything other than the supposed entertainment value, so, if you want things to change for the better, why bother – because this show won’t do that.
What’s changed is, as you’ve indicated, a worse than ever situation. Therefore there is every valid reason for further information and debate. The show’s agenda is to raise discussion and it has demonstrated this twice. If you are expecting documentaries to directly lead to governmental change I would suggest that’s unrealistic, just as expecting Q&A to change the govt’s mind on same-sex marriage would be. They are forums for information and debate. I have no issue with us disagreeing but I reject the “why bother?” proposition. Complacency is the enemy.
Spot on David. All people do on this site is complain about the state of Aussie TV and yet when Go Back, probably the most unique and socially important TV show to ever come out of this country, is renewed people just say it’s pointless. Is the issue of boat arrivals solved? Of course it is ten times worse under this government. So if the purpose of TV is to inform as well as to entertain then surely the plight of those who travel here and are thrown into hell holes and beaten to death is not worth making a show about then we should all just give up and watch re-runs of Gilligan’s Island.
I think I’m with Jezza. Nothing has changed in the hearts and minds of the majority of Australians since John Howard declared that “We will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come”.
The majority of this nation doesn’t want asylum seekers arriving under any circumstances, and have elected a government which is prepared to do just about anything (breaching territorial waters, putting asylum seekers in ill-equipped survival capsules and pushing them north) to ensure that is the case.
Regrettably, the alternative government offers nothing better.
Unless SBS intend to change hearts and minds one person at a time, it’s an unworthy proposition.
Unless this series includes Scott Morrison, Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop, Eric Abetz and Kevin Andrews as participants it will be ‘entertainment’ of the very worst kind.
You say nothing has changed but the first season ignited public debate, not to mention excellent ratings for SBS, awards and format sales overseas. In fact a lot has changed. We are told the boats have “stopped” coming yet the topic continues to fuel broad discussion. Indonesia is in discussion with our govt about its methodologies. Manus Island is the subject of all sorts of headlines for the wrong reasons. Syria is in civil war as more than 2.7 million refugees have fled their homes. Do we just say “nah nothing has changed” or can we put the topic into living rooms for further discussion? Go Back is entirely the kind of show SBS should be making: entertaining, educative, topical, alternative. But hey, why watch that when there’s another repeat of Big Bang or MKR contestants baying at the door?
Completely disagree @jezza. So much has happened since the last season. The declining conditions at manus island, operation sovereign borders, and a raft of new legislation. Even if they kept the exact same format there would be a completely new story to tell.
There is not much point in a 3rd series of goback. It will just be the same old, same old
Think that’s underselling it. I was underwhelmed with the idea of celebs for S2 but it was riveting stuff. What if they sent 6 Aussies who have only just been naturalised? Wouldn’t that lay bare new arguments?