From Pipe Dreams to Big Screens

As a filmmaker and storyteller, Douglas has produced short and long-form documentaries, television series, feature documentaries, animation and immersive art experiences.

Douglas has been actively working in the film and television industry for over 25 years, including series producing and directing multiple series for ABC, SBS and NITV. Douglas is passionate about bringing First Nation stories to the forefront and has worked tirelessly to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners to make this a reality. He established the film and video production unit Double Wire Productions in 2000, and has produced and written dramas that have screened at film festivals around the world. His award-winning feature documentary Ella, featuring Ballet Dancer Ella Havelka as the first Indigenous dancer to make the Australian Ballet Company, premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2016 and has screened nationally and internationally. His VR experience A Thin Black Line featured in the 2018 Adelaide Biennial and was also showcased at AIDC 2018. Douglas’ latest feature documentary Alick and Albert is an intriguing film following the friendship of acclaimed artist Alick Tipoti and (H.S.H) Prince Albert II of Monaco. The documentary gives a profound look at the power of art to connect individuals, forge friendships and initiate change. Douglas was the Content Director for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program at Screen Queensland between 2017 and 2021, project managing feature films and award winning television/streaming series in both factual and scripted drama, with a focus on escalating new Black talent. Douglas Watkin continues to strive bringing our Mob’s stories and voices to heard both nationally and on the world stage.

Shontell Leah Ketchell, is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmaker based in Cairns, Far North Queensland. 

An emerging screenwriter and producer; in 2019 she completed Advanced Diploma in Screenwriting: Feature Film course at AFTRS. Shontell has written and produced for ABC, NITV, SBS, CBS, and BBC, both in the factual and scripted space.

Shontell’s long-term goal as a screenwriter and producer is to contribute to the representation of her people and share First Nations stories from their diverse perspectives.