Anna Torv leads ABC’s new crime drama Dustfal
The ABC, Screen Australia and Screen Queensland are thrilled to announce that production has commenced on the Soapbox Pictures and Moonriver co-production of Dustfall, a gripping new six-part crime drama series, led by internationally renowned actor Anna Torv (The Newsreader, Territory).
Based on the novel The Unbelieved by Vikki Petraitis and adapted for television by Dianne Taylor (BAFTA nominated After the Party), Stuart Page (Total Control), Belinda Chayko (The Survivors) and Beatrix Christian (Black Snow), Dustfall is helmed by Director Emma Freeman (Family Next Door, The Newsreader) who also Executive Produces on the series alongside Anna Torv, Deb Balderstone, Xavier Marchand and Daisy Gilbert.
Currently filming on the Gold Coast, Dustfall is a propulsive, atmospheric Tropic Noir that follows a detective whose deep sense of justice is challenged by a world where victims are doubted, predators hide in plain sight, and the legal system too often falls short.
When seasoned detective Tig (Torv), returning to her hometown of North Gap after years in the city, uncovers a string of drink spiking assaults, the case is turned on its head when one of the main suspects is found murdered.
Anna Torv leads a diverse ensemble cast including Juliet Stevenson (Truly, Madly, Deeply), Peter Fenton (Love is a Four Letter Word ), Bert Labonte (Colin From Accounts), Lila McGuire (Goolagong), Harry Gilchrist, Ling Cooper Tang (Troppo), Gemma Chua-Tran (Heartbreak High), Alice Ansara (Black Snow), Zoe Phillips (Eden), Kate Box (Deadloch), Martin Sacks (The Survivors), Theo Haitana (Heart of the Man), Conrad Coleby (All Saints), Ben Knight (Bay of Fires), Kirsty O’Connor (A Little Resistance), Jay Ryan (Territory), Ed Wightman (Last Days of the Space Age), and Luke J Morgan (NCIS:Sydney).
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said: “ We are delighted to bring this remarkable series to our ABC audience. In the trusted hands of this powerhouse creative team, Dustfall looks set to be the watercooler drama of 2026”.
Soapbox Pictures Producer Deb Balderstone said: “We’re incredibly proud of the creative team we’ve been able to assemble to bring this powerful and emotionally charged drama to the screen. It’s exciting to be able to film this in Queensland as the locations and landscape it provides is an incredible attribute to the show”.
Moonriver Executive Producer Xavier Marchand said: “Daisy, Deb and I were immediately drawn to the novel’s themes and potential and when we took it to Anna, Emma and our lead writer Dianne Taylor, they brought great depth and insight to the series. We are thrilled to work with Rachel and Brett at the ABC, whose support in bringing Dustfall to life has been invaluable”.
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “The world-class team behind Dustfall, including producer Deb Balderstone, director Emma Freeman and acclaimed actor Anna Torv, have created an incisive crime series that explores the complexities of gendered-based violence. Thought-provoking and deeply nuanced, this prestige crime drama shines a light on a timely and important conversation in Australia and around the world”.
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said: “We’re proud to support this original Australian series, which will be produced right here in South East Queensland. It’s a testament to the incredible talent of our renowned crews and creatives, as well as the stunning locations and high-class post-production services available. Dustfall continues the state’s trusted partnership with commissioners such as ABC to deliver Queensland-made productions to audiences around the world”.
Dustfall will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.
Production credit: Commissioned by the ABC in association with the BBC. A Soapbox Pictures and Moonriver Production. Major production investment from Screen Australia and the ABC.Financed with support from the Queenland Government through Screen Queenland’s Production Attraction Strategy. Produced by Deb Balderstone. Executive Producers: Deb Balderstone, Xavier Marchand, Daisy Gilbert, Emma Freeman, Anna Torv. ABC Executive Producers: Brett Sleigh and Rachel Okine. International Sales by Federation.