A new series of microfilms by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers from North Queensland are now available to watch on ABC Australia’s YouTube channel. The series captures diverse, powerful stories from First Nations communities, produced by emerging filmmakers Alden Lyall, Josaphine Seale and co-producers Garth Edwards and Chedwa Whyte.

The Authentic NQ initiative, delivered by Screenworks in association with ABC and Screen Queensland, provided each team with $4,000 to create short factual films that bring First Nations stories to a wider audience. Participants received hands-on mentorship from ABC producers throughout the process, gaining invaluable production experience and storytelling expertise.

The microfilms in Authentic NQ each explore unique themes grounded in cultural heritage, community and resilience. 

• Bringing Back the Good Fire by Josaphine Seale – Gerry Turpin is a Mbabaram man with an intuitive connection to land. He hosts cultural burning camps for Indigenous Junior Rangers, educating them on how spirit can be healed and reinvigorated through culture, country and language. 
• Empowering Dreams, Nurturing Talent by Alden Lyall – follows the remarkable journey of Benita Williams, a proud Kuku Yalanji woman, from shy model to industry leader and mentor. Today Benita runs her own modelling agency in Far North Queensland with a mission to empower models and ensure they feel safe and supported in the industry.   
• No Plan B by Garth Edwards and Chedwa Whyte – Garth, a Mamu man from Innisfail, uses music and film to unite and inspire his community. No Plan B captures Garth’s dedication to storytelling as a way to uplift his hometown of Innisfail through creative expression.

The Authentic NQ series, part of Screen Queensland’s North Queensland Regional Program, offers viewers a glimpse into the rich, diverse cultures of First Nations communities in North Queensland.