Bingeable masterpieces that will make you laugh, cry and explore the importance of artistic expression, four new Art Bites documentaries helmed by emerging director and producer teams have been launched on the ABC Arts channel on iview this week.
Each 6 x 5 minute documentary web series received a direct investment of $60,000 from Screen Australia and ABC to make their series, with the initiative acting as a launch pad for new filmmakers to tell stories that resonate with younger audiences on a digital platform.
Carla and Lisa’s Countdown
Auburn-based artists and twins, Carla and Lisa Wherby, are besotted fans and collectors of Australian popular art and culture. Invited to enter the National Self-Portrait Prize, this series captures them meeting their art heroes from pop artist Martin Sharp to artist and musician Reg Mombassa. The twins gain unprecedented access to the archives of the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) and share a lifetime of treasured anecdotes. Directed by Ludwig El Haddad who is an art educator at AGNSW, and produced by Barry Gamba.
Lessons from a Middle Class Artist
Anthony Frith, a failed musician from Adelaide, travels to America to learn how to make money off music from prolific online novelty song writer Matt Farley. This heart-warming comedy follows Anthony as he discovers his style and creativity, and ponders if this is his path to artistic success. Directed by Frith (The Worst Alien in the World), produced by Rebecca Elliott (Michelle’s Story, The Worst Alien in the World) and executive produced by Rebecca Summerton.
Mirror
In this powerful series, six Australian artists embark on a nostalgic journey back to a significant place from their past to confront memories that will inspire a self-portrait work. Directed by Brodie Poole, whose short film Flight of the Buffalo was selected for Sydney Film Festival in 2015, and produced by Kate Paul, who was recently selected by Screen Producers Australia for their 2017 Ones to Watch program.
Unboxed
Filmmaker and trans rights advocate Sam Matthews sets out to meet other gender-diverse Australian artists, challenging each of them to create a new artwork based on the theme Unboxed. Each artist explores the prominent role artistic expression has played in their lives. Directed by Matthews, produced by Kirsty Stark (Wastelander Panda) and Rebecca Elliott.
For more information about Art Bites, visit: www.screenaustralia.gov.au for details.
Image: Lilli Waters, Carla Wherby, Anthony Frith and Sam Matthews – courtesy of Screen Australia