Truth Telling Through Documentary

Friday 9 February

1pm AEST

Join Aaron Fa'aoso, Dean Gibson, Brenda Matthews and Screen Queensland’s Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Danielle Ah Boo for a dynamic discussion on the power of documentary in providing forums for truth-telling. The 60-minute discussion will grapple with Australia's colonial past, dissecting the ways documentaries can begin to challenge and transform this perspective. Discussing the power of documentaries to amplify diverse voices, share untold narratives, and provide a powerful platform for truth-telling. 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching conversation that celebrates the profound impact of documentary filmmaking in fostering understanding, empowerment, and truth-telling. 

Featuring

Danielle Ah Boo

Danielle Ah Boo is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman, born and raised on Thursday Island. Ms Ah Boo is Screen Queensland’s first Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, a new leadership role created to uplift First Nations voices across the state’s screen industry.

Ms Ah Boo has previously worked in production for First Nations-founded agency Carbon Creative and more recently as a financial accountant with Arrow Energy. She has also served as Treasure and Co-Chair of Reconciliation Queensland.

Her role at Screen Queensland is to elevate awareness of the cultural significance of First Nations storytelling and amplifying First Nations voices in the screen industry, as truth-telling holds immense significance in shaping our nations’s history.

Aaron Fa'aoso

Aaron Fa'Aoso is a versatile and acclaimed actor, producer and advocate known for his outstanding contributions to Australian entertainment.

Best recognized for his role in ABC's "BLACK COMEDY," Aaron's talent has garnered widespread acclaim. His recent work includes the ABC series "IN LIMBO," NITV's "GOING PLACES," and hosting two seasons of the food documentary series "STRAIT TO THE PLATE" on SBS/NITV, which he not only starred in but also created and produced. Additionally, his distinctive voice brings life to the character 'Old Dog' in the ABC animated series "LITTLE J & BIG CUZ." Aaron's upcoming project is Natalie Bailey's debut feature film, "AUDREY."

Aaron is a committed advocate and leader. He is a Board Director for SBS and Screen QLD. Is Co-Chair of the Queensland Interim Truth and Treaty Body, and is involved with Supply Nation and the Deaf Indigenous Dance organisation. Aaron is a multifaceted talent, a respected figure in the industry, and a passionate advocate for social causes, making him a truly remarkable and influential individual in Australian entertainment and community affairs.

Dean Gibson

Dean Gibson is an Aboriginal filmmaker with over 20 years’ experience in creating, writing, directing, editing and producing content.  His work screens regularly on ABC, SBS and NITV and includes children’s television, documentary and drama. 

In documentary, Dean recently delivered Incarceration Nation to NITV/SBS in which he is the Writer and Director. Incarceration Nation is a Feature Documentary focusing on the systemic racism of the justice system within Australia. Its successes include; Logie Award winner 2021-22 for Most Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program, finalist for 2022 Walkley Awards and finalist ATOM Best Feature Documentary. Dean was also the writer and director of Wik vs Queensland that premiered at the 2018 Sydney International Film Festival.

Most recently, Dean directed the 6-part science documentary series First Weapons for ABC, Black Fella Films and Inkey Media, released in 2023.

Brenda Matthews

Brenda Matthews is a proud Wiradjuri woman living with her husband, Mark, in Bundjalung country, Queensland. 

Brenda co-directed the feature documentary THE LAST DAUGHTER, based on her novel of the same, which was released in Australian cinemas and on Netflix in mid-2023 to excellent reviews and critical acclaim. Brenda's journey from being part of the stolen generation to becoming an Author, Speaker, Film Director and Co-Founder/Director of Learning Circle Australia is an inspiring testament to the power of healing and reconciliation.

Her remarkable story, as eloquently portrayed in her debut book and Netflix documentary feature film, THE LAST DAUGHTER, encapsulates heartbreak, love, forgiveness, hope and bringing the Country together.