by FilmInk Staff
Australian made web series, GOING HOME, created by Australian actress Belinda Jombwe, will debut exclusively on TikTok on September 30.
This contemporary drama series and ‘vlogumentary’ follows the story of Grace Kisakye as she returns to her rural childhood farm – after a secret psychiatric hospital stay, confronting her family and past to find healing.
The web series comprises 32 x 2 min episodes and is funded by Screen Australia and Screen NSW.
It has an impressive Australian cast, including Mandela Mathia (THE TWELVE, BUMP), Angela Mahlatjie (THE HEIGHTS) and upcoming stars Australian/Indian actress Esha Jessy and Australian/Indonesia actor, Patrick Jhanur (LATECOMERS – SBS). Writers include Huna Amweero (SURVIVING SUMMER, KYSTAL KLAIRVOYANT) & Leigh Lule (HEARTBREAK HIGH S3, with direction by Zindzi Okeny (TROPPO, CRITICAL INCIDENT).
GOING HOME is described as the Australian immigrant’s McLeod’s Daughters with lots of humour and heart inspired by Belinda’s own personal life and mental health journey.
It’s a time of momentous change for prodigal daughter Grace, with the family preparing to pass on the small farm that has been their livelihood since Grace’s parents arrived as refugees – and in turn saying goodbye to the house where their mum tragically died. Grace is determined to uncover the secrets hidden in her past so that she can understand how her life spiralled out of control, and in the process set herself free.
Series Creator/Producer, Belinda Jombwe said, “Going Home is deeply personal to me, as it’s inspired by my own experiences growing up in rural Australia as a child of Ugandan parents. At its heart it’s about family, healing, and the complexities of belonging. My hope is that it sparks honest conversations around mental health and opens the door for more diverse stories on screen. Oh, and it’s also a comedy so I really hope people laugh too!”
In the last few years, TikTok has become a governing force in the social media landscape, and creators are flocking to the platform to tell their stories and to reach new audiences. With TikTok now having an enormous 1.6 billion monthly active users worldwide and a large Gen Z audience this kind of content is becoming more prevalent.
Executive Producer, Huna Amweero said, “Going Home is a show full of authenticity, struggle and joy. It feels accessible for audiences who seldom get content that reflects their reality. I hope that it allows our young people to feel more seen and supported as they grapple with intergenerational trauma and the pressure to succeed. My hope is that it opens up conversations and pathways for our communities to get the help they need when it comes to mental health. On an industry level, we are showing we can make independent content that fills gaps in the market. Bringing together exciting new voices and forging a pathway for more bold stories that push the boundaries of social media platforms. It means a lot to be opening doors and showing off our skills as a group of amazing women behind and in front of the camera.”
GOING HOME will launch on TikTok on September 30, and will appeal to second generation Australians, particularly those who are the first in their family to be from a western country. The series places a heavy focus on mental health and lines up with TikTok’s most popular search on the topic. The series will roll out alongside interviews with mental health professionals and others speaking to their own experiences.
@goinghometheseriesTRAILER DROP Pack your bags, we going home! Principal Production funding from @Screenaustralia @screenaustralia #goinghometheseries #homecoming #mentalhealth #tiktok #webseries #comedy
