DOCUMENTARIES

BAREFOOT IN ETHIOPIA

Kyra always wanted to save the world. When she left high school, she inspired her brother, her partner and her friend to raise $12,000 to build a health clinic in the Ethiopian desert. She soon realises that building a clinic won't save the world. So what next?

Rebelling against the aid machine, Kyra decides to do things her own way. Her brother, Aidan is also in on the plan. The film follows Kyra and Aidan for the next 4 years as they struggle with the reality of starting their own aid organisation. Kyra wants to genuinely connect with the community and Aidan wants to give it a crack: "We are young and a bit frivolous, but that's all part of the learning curve..."

ABC Broadcast Commission

Filmed & Directed by Sieh Mchawala
Produced by Jeni Lee
Edited by David Banbury, Jeni Lee and Sieh Mchawala
Sound Edit/Mix by Russell Alexander
Original Music by Sands Johal and Tom Harrer

CASUALTIES OF WAR

Casualties of War tells the story of Leigh, a Special Forces soldier who served with the Australian Army in East Timor. Leigh believes that the hardest part of going to war is coming home.

One year after Leigh returned from East Timor he reached breaking point and left the army. It is only now, 4 years later, that he feels able to speak out about the realities of being a solider.

There is a world of silence that sits between those who have seen unspeakable acts of violence and those who have not. Casualties of War takes the audience on a journey to transcend that silence by exploring the losses shouldered by soldiers and their families in the wake of war.

ABC Broadcast Commission

Filmed and directed by Jeni Lee
Produced by Sarah Wishart and Rebecca Summerton
Edited by Tania Nehme
Music by Tom Harrer
Sound mix by Best FX

IT’S NO CIRCUS IN CAMBODIA

Australia's dodgiest circus attempts to drive from Singapore to Ireland -in a double decker bus. What could possibly go wrong?

En route the circus gets waylaid in the south of Cambodia, where they teach circus skills to a very spirited group of streetkids - ultimately proving to themselves that the journey is far more important than the destination... Starring Lunar Circus and the children of M’Lop Tapang.

Broadcast on SBS arts Stvdio

Directed & filmed by Jeni Lee
Produced by Rebecca Summerton and Jeni Lee
Edited by David Ngo
Sound Edit/Mix by Scott Illington
Original Music by The Von Trolley Quartet

MAGIC HARVEST

Many suburbs are built on former farmland. In the suburbs of Adelaide, locals arm themselves with garden forks and kitchen knives to put that land to good use, pioneering a backyard revolution one square metre at a time. It's an idea as simple as it is radical as it is inspirational...

Inspired by Lolo Houbein's One Magic Square concept and under the guidance of grower Tori Moreton, in this inspiring film residents of Adelaide's southern suburbs create a food plot in one square metre of their own gardens, harvesting it through the seasons and sharing the bounty in their community. Starring Lolo Houbein, Tori Moreton and the residents of Huntfield Heights and Aberfoyle Park.

Commissioned by Adelaide Film Festival

Directed by Jeni Lee
Produced by Julia De Roeper
Camera by Sieh Mchawala
Edited by David Ngo
Sound Edit/Mix by Russell Alexander
Featuring Music by Golonka,
Caliente Guitar Trio and Sia Furler

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS & COMMISSIONS

Our work with community groups and non-profits amplifies voices not often heard. These collaborative works can generate agency and purpose for the participants, inform and educate the general public, counter prejudice and bias, or become tools to advocate for change.

We also love collaborating with artists and fringe dwellers as they help us to see the world in new or innovative ways, creating vibrancy and meaning in our communities. We are not shy of work that challenges the status quo in the pursuit of climate justice, cultural diversity and equitable human connection.

Below are a few of the tailor-made short documentaries we have created in collaboration with partner organisations and groups.

I AM NOT A NUMBER

The Australian Government aspires to lead the world in digital innovation. Initiatives in digital governance have seen the introduction of algorithms for NDIS support planning. While the government's vision promises efficiency and modernisation, the reality is far more complex.

 Meet Mark, Marie, Erin, Paris, Olisama, Paul, and Kaili—seven people whose lives have been profoundly affected by these technological changes. Through their poignant and personal stories, discover how the inflexible nature of these algorithms has not only failed to meet their needs but has also caused significant harm to the very people it aimed to support.

Broadcast: SBS

Film by Jeni Lee in collaboration with Georgia van Toorn & ROBONDIS activists
Research consultants: Sarah Pink and Thao Phan
Consultant producer: Anna Grieve
Edited: Jeni Lee and Pete Best

SUPERBOTS

What would be your ideal voice bot? This upbeat and inspiring short film observes and engages with students from Brentwood Secondary College during their two-day interactive Industry Immersion program ‘Superbots’, where girls ideate, test and construct their own voicebot personality. The program, co-designed by Monash Tech School and Monash University's Faculty of IT and supported by industry mentors, allows students to ideate, test and construct their own voicebot personality.

Broadcast SBS

Filmed and edited by Jeni Lee

BUT WE ARE STRONG

War began in Sierra Leone in 1991 when an armed rebel group, the Revolutionary United Front, began a campaign against the President, capturing towns along the borders to Liberia and Guinea. During the eleven years of war, children in Sierra Leone were severely affected. The roles and struggles of young girls during the war have not been widely acknowledged. Many were abducted by rebel groups during attacks on their towns or villages and forced to directly participate as frontline fighters, cooks, spies and sex slaves. The war was officially declared over in 2002 following UN intervention and the disarmament of 45,000 fighters. But We Are Strong tells the untold stories of 5 young women who survived. The films were commissioned by Save the Children UK. For sales please contact Ronin films.

Commissioned by Save the Children, UK

Produced and directed by Jeni Lee and Sarah Wishart
Camera by Jeni Lee
Edited by Bryan Mason
Sound by Best fx

BIG STORIES SMALL TOWNS

Big Stories Small Towns is an evolving multi-platform documentary project first launched in 2008 and produced by Big Stories Co. The project features collaborations between small town communities and filmmakers in residence. It is shaped through extensive local consultation and participation, to create stories made by both filmmakers and community members -full of love, humour, family and belonging. Far from tales of rural dysfunction and decay, Big Stories focuses on those caring for and creating their own community. From the Longriders in Murray Bridge, the Ngarrindjeri community of Raukkan on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, the Men's Shed in Port Augusta and the Tampuon people of Ban Lung on the edge of the jungle in Northern Cambodia, Big Stories aims to connect local stories to build a diverse and inspiring global portrait of country life. Carousel media were film makers in residence for the project in Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Raukkan and Coober Pedy. See examples of the Longriders Christian Motorcycle Club in Murray Bridge, the Wami Kata old folks home, the Men’s Shed and the young fathers group in Port Augusta, and our collection of films from Coober Pedy and Raukkan.

Filmed by Jeni Lee & Sieh Mchawala
Produced by Anna Grieve and Martin Potter
Edited by Jeni Lee, Sieh Mchawala & David Ngo
Financed with the assistance of Screen Australia
SXSW best interactive award winner

SHE’S NOT ALONE

She’s Not Alone highlights some of the safety issues women and gender diverse people experience in and around transport. In a world where automated systems, technology and digital data are increasingly present, the film raises discussion around automated safety features including tracking, surveillance and emergency alerts.

The docu-drama challenges the idea that artificial intelligence is the way to solve problems that arise for so many rideshare users, suggesting instead that we imagine a future where safety involves a combination of technology, human connections and community support.

The short film illustrates the everyday stories of gender-based violence in ride-sharing and the outsourcing of trust and safety to automated systems.

Filmed and edited by Jeni Lee
Produced in partnership with She’s a crowd and ETLab
Financed by ADM+S
Produced by Jeni Lee and Emma Quilty

FLIGHTPATHS, FREEWAYS AND RAILROADS

This collection of three, five-minute films take us on a journey with two blind and one deaf person as they move around urban and regional spaces. The short films illustrate the challenges and opportunities that emerging technologies pose for diverse groups as they move throughout the city. Broadcast: SBS

Brenton is a learning mentor who lives and works in Adelaide. This short film explores some of the difficulties he faces driving himself around, as well as his vision for the future of transport. 

Broadcast SBS
Filmed and edited by Jeni Lee
Produced in partnership with ETLab
Financed by ADM+S

STILL I RISE

Namrah the Brave survived being trafficked, but now even her family is ashamed – how will she rise up and own her name?

This short film advocates to restore dignity and rights to survivors of sex trafficking.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala
Produced in partnership with Terre des hommes Foundation
Sound design by Tom Huezenroeder

KABADDI FOR EMPOWERMENT

For migrant families in West Bengal, the risk of sexual abuse and trafficking is especially high, child marriage remains common practice, mostly girls are kept inside the home.

These girls and their families are championing a new normal for girls in West Bengal.

Filmed, Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Produced in partnership with Terre des hommes Foundation, India

MILTON & FLOSS

South Australian Sheep farmer Milton Cross, has never been so driven to keep a pup. Floss is his best working dog yet, but her value far surpasses the work she does with him on the farm. One of 5 short films created for the SA Museum, highlighting the special bonds shared by owners and their dogs.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee
Commissioned by the South Australian Museum

MONNI & RONI

Roni is a diabetic alert dog with a special talent for alleviating anxiety. For Monni he is both her lifesaver and her best friend. One of 5 short films created for the SA Museum, highlighting the special bonds shared by owners and their dogs.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee
Commissioned by the South Australian Museum

JOAN’S STORY

One woman's story of childbirth in Uganda and the hope and empowerment that a Birthing Kit brings. Commissioned by Birthing Kit Foundation Australia.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee
Commissioned by the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia

RURAL RECONCILIATION IN MILANG

In regional South Australia the Milang Community Centre instigated a reconciliation arts project to reconnect Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and the land they now urgently need to take care of. Commissioned by Community Centres South Australia.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee
Commissioned by Community Centres South Australia

THE JOURNEY OF A BIRTHING KIT

BKFA Birthing Kits are assembled in Australia by volunteers then sent to local organisations in developing countries. This short film captures the journey of a birthing kit, as diverse helpers ensure it reaches the women who have the greatest need. Commissioned by Birthing Kit Foundation Australia.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee
Commissioned by the Birthing Kit Foundation Australia

HIGHWAY TO THE SKY

Highway to the Sky is a short film co-created with 3 neurodiverse artists and Art Therapist Isabelle Ashford. Participants in the workshops create artworks and stop motion around their imagined future mobilities. The participants explore what sensations arise during their current travel experiences and what they would like to be automated (or not) in the future. This film is part of the Future Automated Mobilities Diverse Perspectives short film project. These films aim to surface impacts of Automated Decision Making (ADM) that haven’t been accounted for and explore barriers and biases propagated and amplified by ADM.

Broadcast SBS
Filmed and edited by Jeni Lee
Produced in partnership with ETLab
Financed by ADM+S

A MULTICULTURAL CHRISTMAS

A Multicultural Christmas celebration at the Morella Community Centre. Commissioned by Community Centres South Australia.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee
Commissioned by Community Centres South Australia

TESO WOMEN’S PEACE ACTIVISTS

BKFA, with their incredible field partner Teso Women Peace Activists (TEWPA), are reaching vulnerable pregnant adolescents in the Katakwi District of Uganda. Commissioned by Birthing Kit Foundation Australia.

Directed, Produced and Edited by Jeni Lee
Filmed by Sieh Mchawala and Jeni Lee

GEDE’S STORY

YOUNG MUMS

Young Mums is an online resource and participatory video project. A team of filmmakers met with a group of young mums from Adelaide, South Australia, once a week for 3 months. As a result of these meetings 4 films were created. These films allowed the young women to tell their stories and experiences from their own perspectives.

Directed and Produced by Jeni Lee and Sarah Wishart
Filmed by Jeni Lee
Funded by the South Australian Film Corporation