Authentic ZK participants from top left: Jillian Bowie, Fletcher Glover, Ella Kris and Kantesha Ward. Image: Supplied.
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).
It includes $5000 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 First Nations Content, said the selected filmmakers had an important opportunity to connect audiences with the people and stories of the Torres Strait in an accessible way, while gaining vital production experience with a major broadcaster.
“The richness of the ideas pitched to us was so undeniable 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.”
Here’s what other main players said about the project.
Diat Alferink, CEO of TSIMA: “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: “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: “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.”
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.
