by FilmInk Staff
Screen Queensland has announced its support for InDesign, a compelling new factual series exploring how First Nations knowledge is transforming the future of housing, architecture and design.
Produced by No Coincidence Media’s Rhea Stephenson, a proud Nugi-Nunukal and Mununjali woman from Southeast Queensland, the series is directed by Kaytetye woman Tanith Glynn-Maloney and executive produced by Wiradjuri man Mitchell Stanley, Michaela Perske and Nha-Uyen Chau.
Supported in partnership with NITV and Screen Australia, InDesign brings together an experienced team of First Nations creatives and follows Biripi, Dunghutti and Kamilaroi woman Georgia Birks as she meets Traditional Owners, architects, builders, artists and policymakers drawing on tens of thousands of years of First Nations knowledge to transform housing, infrastructure and the way communities connect with place.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said supporting Queensland production companies to tell distinctive and authentic local stories is central to the agency’s investment strategy.
“Queensland is home to exceptional First Nations storytellers, and we’re proud to support Rhea Stephenson and the team at No Coincidence Media as they bring this insightful documentary series to life.
“Supported through Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Fund, InDesign is expected to inject almost $2 million into the Queensland economy while employing 22 local cast, crew and creatives.
“Screen Queensland is committed to supporting our state’s documentary practitioners to address the big issues in ways that engage audiences with global impact.”
No Coincidence Media producer Rhea Stephenson said the project reflects the company’s commitment to creating authentic First Nations stories while continuing to build Queensland’s screen industry.
“InDesign reflects the stories we’re passionate about telling—stories led by First Nations voices that celebrate Indigenous design, innovation and knowledge from across Australia.
“As a Queensland-based First Nations production company, we’re proud to lead this national series while shining a spotlight on Queensland stories, communities and creatives. It’s equally important to us that we’re creating opportunities for Queensland crew and talent, demonstrating the incredible capability that exists within our state’s screen industry.
“Together with our partners, we’re proud to be bringing these stories to audiences while honouring the legacy of the past and exploring the future of Indigenous design.”
Head of Indigenous Commissions and Production at NITV, Dena Curtis said First Nations perspectives are grounded in deep connections to Country, community and place, with generations of understanding that continue to inform how we live and build for the future.
“InDesign brings these perspectives to the forefront, creating space for First Nations voices to lead the conversation about housing, architecture and design.
“NITV is proud to support stories that challenge perceptions, celebrate First Nations innovation and bring these important stories and perspectives to our audiences across Australia.”
Screen Australia Head of First Nations Content, Gillian Moody-Ardler said InDesign is a documentary that reaches far beyond architecture and design.
“This is a wonderful celebration of First Nations knowledge, creativity and perspectives, offering insight into the ways we live in, connect with and move through the spaces around us.
“The No Coincidence Media team’s creation of a visually striking and thought-provoking series will invite audiences to reflect on how we can build and design more ethically and sustainably, guided by a deeper understanding of place, culture and community.”
InDesign marks another significant milestone for No Coincidence Media as the Business Enterprise-backed company continues to build a slate of First Nations-led factual projects with national and international reach.
InDesign is a No Coincidence Media, LGI Media and Pursekey Productions production for National Indigenous Television (NITV). Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen Queensland. Financed with support from Folklore Entertainment and Spectrum Entertainment. International sales by LGI Media.
Image: InDesign‘s Georgia Birks, courtesy of No Coincidence Media and NITV
