25 11 2020 - Media release
Documentaries to delve into the Archibald and Country Music in 2021
Justine Clarke presents Going Country
ABC and Screen Australia are pleased to announce that production is underway on two very special, prime-time Arts shows, hosted by two of Australia’s most popular actors Rachel Griffiths and Justine Clarke.
ABC Head of Factual and Culture Jennifer Collins says “Arts has always been a great vehicle for exploring questions around identity, providing opportunities to reflect on ourselves and the truths of our society. These ABC prime time Art series are a crucial part of our ongoing commitment to connecting Australian audiences with creative stories, and in doing so enriching the lives of Australians”.
Bernadine Lim, Head of Documentary at Screen Australia said, “We’re proud to support these two thoughtful documentaries. Helmed by accomplished directors Ariel White on Finding the Archibald and Kriv Stenders on Going Country, they explore the vital role of the Arts in shaping the national Australian identity, and I’m excited to see them on the ABC next year.”
Finding the Archibald celebrates 100 years of Australia’s most prestigious, portraiture art prize - the Archibald. Over the three episodes, art lover Rachel Griffiths embarks on a personal mission to find the one portrait that not only encapsulates the changing face of our nation but will stand the test of time for another 100 years. Rachel seeks to understand, through art, how Australian society has changed over the years. Who were our ‘heroes’ then and who are they now? Who is worthy of being painted and why?
Magdalene Media’s Rachel Griffiths says “The Archibald prize is a unique window into our national history and identity. On its 100th anniversary I am thrilled to partner with Mint Pictures to explore the sport, the controversy, the celebrity and the art of the annual face fest that is even more popular now than at its inception. I have no doubt this celebrity packed romp will bring as many fans as flock to the prize every year as we explore the changing face of Australia and why we never get tired of looking at our own reflections.”
Self-confessed “city-girl” Justine Clarke takes a road trip into the heart of Australian country music, in the two-part series Going Country. Justine’s about to learn that country was the punk of its time, how it cut through with its striking clothes, wild singing style and its own unique culture. She connects with some of our greatest musicians performing some of Australia’s iconic songs. She will discover how important country music was to Australians – and still is, and how these songs capture who we are as a people and a nation.
This joyous and heartfelt series is helmed by award-winning director Kriv Stenders (Slim and I, The Go-Betweens; Right Here), with writer-producer Paul Clarke (Bombora, Brilliant Creatures). Going Country will view the rich and surprising contribution that country music has made to the fabric of Australian life and our national identity.
Justine Clarke says “I love a road trip but only if there’s a great playlist! And when you strip a song back to its bare bones, with the right singer, and you hear the story, it really speaks to who we are. So one of the things I want to find out on this trip is ‘What is ours? How did our Australian country music sound come to be?”
Going Country Production Credit: An EQ Media Group production. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Series Producer Bernice Toni. Executive Producers Sam Griffin and Brendan Dahill. Commissioned by Miranda Culley. ABC Executive Producers Kalita Corrigan. Head of Factual and Culture Jennifer Collins.
Finding the Archibald Production credit: A Mint Pictures production in association with Magdalene Media. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW, with Film Victoria. Producer Dan Goldberg. Executive Producers Adam Kay and Rachel Griffiths. ABC Commissioning Editor Julie Hanna. Head of Factual and Culture Jennifer Collins.
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