Commencing this week on SBS and On Demand (episode 1, Wednesday, 15 October, 7.30pm) is The Idea of Australia, a four part documentary building on Julianne Schultz's 2022 book of the same name.
Rachel Griffiths narrates and the show features Governor-General Sam Mostyn, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, journalist Ray Martin, journalist and author Kerry O'Brien, 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, author and union official Thomas Mayo, economist Dr Ken Henry, author Bruce Pascoe, journalist and author Joyce Moullakis, anthropologist and author Professor Marcia Langton, historian Professor Henry Reynolds, former Socceroo and human rights advocate Craig Foster, actor, writer and producer Pallavi Sharda, the book's author Julianne Schultz, and others.
'For the best part of 20 years, my career took me overseas', says Rachel Griffiths. 'I was always homesick. The joy of returning sparked unexpected questions and conversations. My nostalgic view of Australia was challenged by the place I returned to. I realised that my idea of Australia was perhaps a bit out of date.'
'The Idea of Australia', according to the SBS promo, 'delves into the myths of Australia, not to question their truth, but to invite a deeper exploration of the stories, beliefs, and cultural narratives that have shaped our understanding of the land and its people'. The producer is Blackfella Films (Darren Dale, Managing Director).
SBS Media Release (comprehensive).
Coming events related to the documentary: 30 October, Readings State Library, Melbourne: Jacob Hickey, Mark Atkin, Julianne Schultz, in conversation with Michael Williams: https://www.readings.com.au/events/julianne-schultz-and-jacob-hickey-in-conversation
3 November 3, Gleebooks, Sydney: Darren Dale, Ben Jones, Julianne Schultz: https://gleebooks.com.au/event/julianne-schultz-the-idea-of-australia/
10 November, Lowitja O'Donoghue Cultural Centre, ANU, Canberra: Julianne Schultz with Allan Behm and Kate Fullagar: https://www.anu.edu.au/meet-the-author-series
Honest History review of the 2022 book.
The documentary comes at the same time as the release of important books on The Australian Wars and by Mark McKenna on Australian history.
Julianne Schultz wrote the foreword to The Honest History Book (2017) and is now one of Defending Country's distinguished Supporters. Thomas Mayo and Henry Reynolds are distinguished Patrons of Defending Country.
Picture credits: Rachel Griffiths in the documentary (photo Tim Keith; permission of SBS); cover of The Idea of Australia (2022)
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