ABC ME series First Day has won an International Emmy Kids Award celebrating outstanding children’s content, adding to its haul of prestigious prizes from around the world.
The win marks the second year running the ABC has claimed the Best Kids Live Action Emmy Award, following the success in 2020 of Hardball. The International Emmy for First Day adds to its international trophies from the Rockie Awards, Rose d’Or Awards, Kidscreen Awards and the GLAAD Media Awards, which celebrate programs for their representation of LGBTQ people and the issues that affect their lives.
The empowering drama series about a transgender girl starting high school, which will return for a second four-part season, has also won an Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) Award and received two AACTA Award nominations. First Day has also been embraced by broadcasters around the world, including sales to Hulu in the United States, CBBC in the United Kingdom and in other countries such as France, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Taiwan, Israel, Ireland, South Africa and New Zealand.
First Day, which is available to watch now on ABC iview, was produced for the ABC by Epic Films in association with Kojo Entertainment, and tells the story of Hannah Bradford (played by Evie Macdonald), a transgender girl having to navigate the challenges of starting a new school and finding the courage to live as her most authentic self.
Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s, said: “ First Day is a stunning team effort with an incredible cast and crew, who have delivered a world-class show with a commitment to creativity and excellence.
“Congratulations to writer/director Julie Kalceff for her brilliant creative vision and producers Kirsty Stark, Kate Croser and Kate Butler for bringing this very special series to screen. Thanks also to ABC Children’s, Screen Australia, the SAFC [South Australian Film Corporation] and ACTF [Australian Children’s Television Foundation] for their support.
“Australian stories are celebrated internationally for their authenticity, honesty and ambition. The ABC is proud to play a leading role in showcasing our homegrown content and creativity on the world stage.”
Kirsty Stark of Epic Films said: “ First Day is the combined effort of our incredible cast, crew and supporters to bring an important story to the screen and we’re so grateful to everyone who has been involved throughout the journey. An Emmy is a significant award and we’re thrilled that even more trans kids around the world will now have the opportunity to see themselves represented on TV.”
The win adds to ABC Children’s golden run at the International Emmy Kids Awards, following success last year for Hardball and Bluey – which are available to watch now on ABC iview.
