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24 11 2022 - Media release

ABC UNVEILS BOLD NEW DRAMA HOUSE OF GODS

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House of Gods co-creator and writer Osamah Sami

Screen Australia and the ABC are pleased to announce the commission of a compelling, new six-part drama series House of Gods, set to air on ABC and ABC iview in 2023.

Set in Western Sydney and produced by Matchbox Pictures, House of Gods is a gripping tale of faith, family, secrets and lies, which takes audiences behind the walls of an iman’s family and the Australian Arab/Iraqi community he leads. The series explores the personal cost of influence and ambition as the Imam, Sheikh Mohammad, and his family grapple with newfound power, politics and privilege.

The son of a Head Cleric, co-creator and writer Osamah Sami (Ali’s Wedding, Savage River) has drawn on his own, real-life experiences to share his beloved community, in all its colour and flaws, with audiences.

Screen Australia’s Head of Content Grainne Brunsdon says “The creative team behind House of Gods bring to the table a fascinating and culturally authentic story that, while set locally, has an undeniable global appeal. Audiences here and around the world will be captivated by this intricate, well-crafted and moving story.”

Sally Riley, ABC Head of Drama, Entertainment and Indigenous, says “For the first time, our drama audience will become immersed in this fascinating world, steeped in tradition, and custom. Osamah, co-creator Shahin Shafaei and the Matchbox team have created a collection of intriguing characters and a riveting storyline with all the elements of a world class drama. We cannot wait to film in Western Sydney next year.”

Alastair McKinnon, Matchbox Pictures Managing Director, said “House of Gods is a strikingly original and thrilling tale of family, power and privilege set within a community rarely, if ever, seen on our screens. Osamah, Blake and the entire creative team have crafted something truly unique and compelling that will grip audiences to the very end.”

House of Gods is created by Osamah Sami and Shahin Shafaei, and developed by Blake Ayshford. The series is written by Sami, Ayshford, Shafaei and Sarah Bassiuoni and will screen on ABC and ABC iview in 2023.

Production Credit: House of Gods is a Matchbox Pictures production for the ABC. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Financed with support from Screen NSW.  International sales by NBCUniversal Global Distribution. Matchbox Pictures is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. Produced by Bree-Anne Sykes and executive produced by Blake Ayshford, Debbie Lee and Sheila Jayadev. ABC Executive Producers Brett Sleigh and Sally Riley.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Rob Caulley | ABC

0401 523 352 | [email protected]

Media enquiries

Maddie Walsh | Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 5915  | [email protected]

Ted Rose | Senior Publicist

+ 61 2 8113 1091  | + 61 456 558 679 | ted.rose@screenaustralia.gov.au

All other general/non-media enquiries

Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800  |  Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected]