4-part CNN documentary Reframed: Marilyn Monroe, narrated by Jessica Chastain, will be streaming on SBS on Demand next Wednesday (March 8).
Ever After
Thu, 09 Mar 2023
Italian
Ever After tells the intimate yet universal story of Anna (Greta Scarano) and Enrico (Simone Liberti) – a couple who, after their happy wedding eleven years ago, now find themselves in a bitter custody battle for their young son Pietro.
Cobra - Season 2
Sat, 11 Mar 2023
In times of national emergency, a team of Britain’s leading experts, crisis contingency planners and most senior politicians assemble under the name COBRA to coordinate the response.
The nail-biting decisions this committee makes drive the compelling action of the series as we witness their actions play out at ground level, in the worst hit parts of an already fractious country. But it is not just the nation we see rocked by the calamitous events of COBRA. From the corridors of Whitehall to the salons of No.10, Cobra also explore the lives of the politicians and advisors that make up the committee.
Unknowns
Making the kind of thriller he himself is drawn to, creator of nine-part Israeli drama Unknowns , Tawfik Abu-Wael, has focused on the relationship dynamics between at-risk young men. When a girl is raped, the youths become the main suspects, throwing their already wobbly lives into further imbalance. Variety called the result “a menagerie of deep and complex characters emotionally entangled in a whodunnit thriller which inevitably taps into the social and political ambience… as the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalates.” Abu-Wael said it was important to him to “insert poetic moments that create intimacy with the characters”. We don’t get a lot of drama from Israel, so take a look at this one. It won’t disappoint.
Thu, 09 Mar 2023
Hebrew
Under the agreement, SBS gains access to multiple titles from Beta’s catalogue on an annual basis, with this latest batch including 12 x 60-minute period drama event series Sisi from Story House Pictures, RTL and Beta Film.
Other titles include the 8 x 60-minute Movistar Plus+ Original El Inmortal – Gangs of Madrid from Telemundo International Studios and DLO Producciones, and the 12 x 60-minute House Of Promises from X-Filme Creative Pool and RTL+.
Further series bound for SBS in this latest slate include the 6 x 60-minute Divided We Stand; the 13 x 60-minute Silent Road; the 6 x 60-minute Breaking Point; the 5 x 60-minute Golden Boy; the 6 x 60-minute De Gaulle and the 8 x 60-minute third instalment of The Wall. Meanwhile, feature titles picked up by the broadcaster include My Little Sister, 3 Days In Quiberon and Hinterland.
The Swiping Games - Season 1 - 3
An intimate look at what lies behind attraction, and what goes unspoken in dating and relationships. Is it ok to have a preference for a certain ‘type’? Women spill the tea on how they deal with stereotypes of Asian women such as ‘submissive’, ‘docile’ and ‘cute’, in their dating lives.
Cromosoma 21
Thursday 27 April
Tomas, A young man with Down Syndrome is found at the scene of a murder, covered in blood, but he refuses to talk to the police.
Marian, the head detective knows that he understands more than he lets on and begins an interrogation. She gets nowhere but starts to feel empathy towards him. Soon, she learns that Tomas’s brother Bekam, has a criminal record, and was fired from the same warehouse where the murder occurred for stealing and that he has fled the city.
Chromosoma S1 is an SBS On Demand exclusive and will be available in Spanish with English subtitles.
Freezing Embrace
Saturday 27 May
Freezing Embrace is based on a popular Finnish Hautalehto book series.
The chief inspector Antti Hautalehto (Mikko Leppilampi) has hired a young policeman, whose father has worked with him for more than 20 years. Hautalehto finds himself between a rock and hard place when it turns out that the new policeman has serious psychological problems, which he has managed to hide in all tests. At the same time, mysterious murders begin to take place: almost every week a young man is found drowned from the river. Soon, Hautalehto begins to believe that the new policeman may be the murderer he is chasing.
SBS On Demand and AFTRS announce the AFTRS Documentary Showcase
They Skate
Experience 14 of the best documentaries from emerging filmmakers exclusively on SBS On Demand
To showcase emerging filmmaking talent SBS On Demand has partnered with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) with a carefully curated collection of student documentaries which will be available from Monday 1 May to stream free exclusively on SBS On Demand.
The documentary collection by AFTRS’ second-year Bachelor of Arts students includes 14 short form documentaries. Students were briefed to create a film no longer than five minutes that explores the culture and unique identity in Australia. The collection is a diverse and compelling mix of stories exploring unique perspectives including the journey of Afghan refugees, the creation of estranged family relationships caused by conspiracy theories, the thought process behind creative desires, and many more.
Now regarded as one of the world’s leading creative schools, AFTRS is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with its talented alumni at the forefront of the Australian and international screen and broadcast industry.
SBS On Demand & World Movies Channel Manager, Haidee Ireland said: “The talented creatives at AFTRS have explored a wide range of topics providing a unique look into the diverse perspectives and experiences of Australians. The incredible documentaries of this year’s showcase are moving, entertaining and enlightening. SBS On Demand is thrilled to provide a platform for the next generation of talented documentary makers to share the stories they are so passionate about. We congratulate AFTRS on celebrating 50 years of inspiring and guiding the future of screen and broadcast creatives.”
AFTRS CEO, Dr. Nell Greenwood said: “AFTRS is really proud of this partnership with SBS. We had fantastic success with the program last year – it was an incredible experience for our students to screen their films to thousands of people across Australia. SBS and AFTRS share a commitment to identifying and nurturing new Australian voices and connecting these voices to audiences across Australia, so this continuing collaboration to showcase our School’s emerging documentary talent is exciting and rewarding.”
The AFTRS Documentary Showcase will be available to stream free from Monday 1 May exclusively on SBS On Demand.
AFTRS Documentary Showcase:
Born of Water
Born of Water follows Mary Goslett, a woman with a deep and special connection to water, who guides us through not only her love for the ocean and swimming, but also why it benefits all of us spiritually, mentally and physically.
Creatives: Anoushka Sutton (Director), Emilie Ziolkowski (Producer), Mary Goslett (Participant).
The Creative Moment
The elusive spark of creativity can occur at any moment but it’s how we recognise it that matters. One spontaneous thought, if acted upon can determine the entirety of an artwork with unexpected, yet beautiful results. Challenged to paint from an unseen prompt, Lincoln Johns must let his intuition take over and embrace the unknown. The Creative Moment provides a reflection on the innate desire we have as creative beings to express our inner thoughts and passions through our work to others.
Creatives: Jasmine Hair (Director), Anoushka Sutton (Producer), Lincoln Johns (Participant).
Dirty Bird
Dirty Bird explores the story of the Australian White Ibis and their ability to adapt to urban environments. Called out as the “bin chicken”, this film explores how the ibis deserves more of our respect than you might think, even if they don’t show us any. It shines a light on their ironic symbolism in Australian culture and alludes to the conservation message they represent, although maybe not noticed.
Creatives: Hugo Bittar (Director), Hayden Jones (Producer), Dr Grainne Cleary (Participant), Matt Chard (Participant), Phil Shaw (Participant).
Disinherited
Disinherited tells the story of Maya, who has become estranged from her parents. The cause for their strained relationship? Vaccination-based conspiracy theories, that engulfed social media in 2020. Depicted through re-enactments and visual imagery, this film aims to delve into the roots of how misinformation is spread on social media.
Creatives: Nicole Hutton (Director), Ashwini Kangatharan (Producer), Nathalie Santillana (Participant).
Finding Home
Finding Home follows Zia and his family’s story of seeking refuge in Australia after the Taliban threatened their safety in Afghanistan. The film highlights the simultaneous triumphs and obstacles they encounter while trying to find a new home on the other side of the world.
Creatives: Grace Rodgers (Director), Oliver Roach (Producer), Ziaullah Zia (Participant), Melanie Morrison (Participant), Marie Kosta (Participant).
Guide to First Nations Astronomy
The Guide to First Nations Astronomy is a documentary exploring Wiradjuri people’s connections to the stars. First Nations people have used astronomy for thousands of years. Kirsten Banks, an astrophysicist and science communicator, tells us the stories that have connected her Wiradjuri community to the stars for generations.
Creatives: Brittney Morris (Director), Nicole Hutton (Producer), Kirsten Banks (Participant).
House Lights Down
House Lights Down tells the story of the mysterious invisible forces that keep the Aussie entertainment industry going round. The film hears from technicians to tour managers as they take us through the fast-paced intricacies of the gig industry and help the audience appreciate the ‘village’ it takes to put on a live show.
Creatives: Annabelle Richens (Director), Luca Blades (Producer), Howard Freeman (Participant), Tim Bradsmith (Participant), Clare O’Doherty (Participant).
The Little Bodies
In The Little Bodies a modern-day Newtown barista uncovers the chilling truth and legend of the John and Sarah Makin baby murdering case, and its continued influence on the city of Sydney centuries on.
Creatives: Zoë Dubuc (Director), Joshua Brennan (Producer), Warren Paul Glover (Cast), Vicki Gard (Cast), Ash Houghton (Cast).
The Little Things
The Little Things explores the ideas of present moment awareness and gratitude for the little things and moments in our day that we normally take for granted. With inspiring subjects such as Jony Badenhorst, Jeremy Yao and Barbara Simpson and the use of beautiful scenery, we explore the little things.
Creatives: Anna Cocquerel (Director and Co-Producer), Mack Callan (Co-Producer), Joany Badenhorst (Participant), Barbara Simpson (Participant), Jeremy Yao (Participant).
Lockdown Locals
When her suburb was hit with Sydney’s harshest lockdown, fashion photographer Cara brought Hurlstone Park together by shooting free portraits in front of her house. One year later, members of the community come together again to reflect on what Lockdown Locals means to them and why it was so special.
Creative: Amelia Pieri (Director), Jasmine Hair (Producer), Cara O’Dowd (Cast), Ambrose Hayes (Cast), Shirley Milward (Cast), Liza Hathcock (Cast), Bruce Hathcock (Cast).
The Past and Pending
In The Past and Pending a quiet, self-reflective observational documentary, a collection of people reminisce and reflect on their time at college, realising how it set them on the lifepath each of them now lead.
Creatives: Hugo Kent (Director), Hiruni Dharmasena (Producer), Michelle Laurie (Cast), Pooja Parashar (Cast), Ellis Swinbourne (Cast), Jai Bhayana (Cast), Erin Leavy (Cast), Remi Ferguson (Cast), Caitlin Bartie (Cast), Brydie Zorz (Cast), Shelby Robertson (Cast), Ren Kikuchi (Cast), Ahutosh Goel (Cast), Hugo Kent (Cast).
Sex and Solitude
Sex and Solitude is a poetic, observational documentary that explores Meg Rodgers, a 65-year-old queer woman. Through Meg we see a character portrait of a mature Australian woman as framed through her sexual fantasies, slowly uncovering her relationship to ageing and desire.
Creatives: Rhory Mackellar (Co-Director), Heidi Shih (Co-Director), Mia Tikellis (Producer), Meg Dione-Rodgers (Cast).
THEY SKATE
THEY SKATE is a character driven documentary tracking Dani Southcombe, a non-binary, queer, and neurodiverse skateboarder’s journey to a local queer skateboarding meet.
Through their experience traveling as a minority within society, they reflect on the importance of this small skate community in providing a safe space in their lives.
Creatives: Jacqui Sharah (Director), Kristen Settinelli (Producer), Dani (Cast).
We Just Live Here
Sollyy, a young DJ, producer, Triple J radio host and culture leader of the Western Sydney music scene, articulates his inspiring visions for the future of his area, friends, and self, while preparing for their first of many shows in the Western Suburbs.
Creatives: Caspa Wallis Carnie (Director), Brittney Morris (Producer), Solomon Chan Sau (Cast), Ricky Tana (Cast), Dylan Atlantis (Cast), Amandip Singh (Cast), Briant Longabela (Cast), Kittiibwa Mutebi (Cast), Zion Garcia (Cast), Fabien Friday (Cast), Peter Deghaim (Cast).
Love/Hate
Thursday 4 May
The story of the organised crime scene of Dublin is revealed, centred on Darren, who wants to stay out of trouble but ends up returning to his old habits and his old gang.
Heridas
Thursday 4 May
Manuela has moved away from her adoptive family to live alone in a marsh, devoted to the study of birds.
Traumatised by the wound of having been abandoned, she always declared that she would never be a mother. The day she finds little Alba, a journey begins for her that will force her to confront the demons of her past and to question the pillars of her life.
The Night Logan Woke Up
Thursday 25 May
Created by Cannes Grand Prix-winning director and writer Xavier Dolan (Tom at the Farm, Mommy), The Night Logan Woke Up is a five-part cinematic tour de force about the complexities of friendships and family ties.
This five-part limited series is set in a small town in Quebec, Canada, and paints a dark and complex portrait of the Larouche family, all grown up but inextricably linked. Based on an eponymous play by renowned playwright Michel Marc Bouchard, the series stars much of the original theatre cast (Julie Le Breton, Eric Bruneau and Patrick Hivon) alongside Xavier Dolan as the youngest sibling, Eli.
After the matriarch of the family dies, Mimi, a well-respected thanatologist, breaks a thirty-year estrangement to take on her mother’s funeral care. But decades after the fact, the event which drove her away continues to reverberate through the lives of her siblings. Soon, she is brought back into the fold of oppressive silences and secrets. Each haunted by their own unsettling visions of past events, the family slides into an unstoppable pursuit of reconciliation.
Dystopia
Thursday 18 May
A group of friends set up to prepare for the biggest live action role-playing game in the Nordic region, in an abandoned production plant deep into the forest.
Before long the game turn dead-serious when a series of mysteries unfold, awakening dark forces in each of them.
Sisi - Season 2
1 June
Sisi is a beautifully lush period drama based on the complex life of historical figure, Elisabeth of Austria, whose love of freedom and promise to give the Habsburg monarchy a gentler face captivated Europe.
In season two, the joyous arrival of an heir for Sisi and Franz is soon overshadowed by renewed power struggles in Europe: Bismarck threatens to plunge Austria into war. Sisi tries with all her might to be there for her husband and her people, but despite demonstrating her diplomatic talent over and over, she remains the bird in a golden cage. As she takes on more political responsibility, Sisi discovers new strengths and weakness drawing from her past, which she must navigate to lead the people and her loved ones into the future.
Sisi S2 will also air at a later date on SBS and will be available in German with English subtitles. S1 is currently available to stream on SBS On Demand.