SBS elevates under-represented Australian voices with 2025 round of Digital Originals

Applications are now open for the 2025 round of Digital Originals, the acclaimed development initiative from SBS, NITV and Screen Australia, designed to support emerging screen creatives from under-represented backgrounds.

Now in its sixth year, Digital Originals continues to provide a pathway for diverse voices in the screen industry, helping launch bold new Australian stories into development and, ultimately, into production.

The program has become a key stepping stone for creatives identifying as culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations, d/Deaf or disabled, women and gender diverse, LGBTQIA+, and those from regional or remote areas.

The initiative has a strong track record of fostering innovative storytelling, with previous titles earning both local acclaim and international recognition.

Past successes include Latecomers, Appetite, Moonbird, and A Beginner’s Guide to Grief, with several projects screening at major international festivals including Series Mania and Canneseries.

An online information webinar for prospective applicants will be held on Friday 13 June, hosted by SBS, NITV and Screen Australia representatives. The session will provide insights into what selectors are looking for, and how applicants can put forward their strongest pitch.

Applications for Digital Originals 2025 close at 5pm AEST on Wednesday 17 July. Full details and eligibility criteria are available via the Screen Australia website.

Meet the six shortlisted 2024 Digital Original teams

Six standout teams have been selected for development following a competitive workshop hosted by Screen Australia, SBS and NITV in November 2024. Chosen from a pool of ten, these projects now move into the next phase, with up to three to receive production funding and commissioning.

Banana Milkshake (NSW)

Jonathan Lo, David Ma and Georgia Noe

Writer/Director: David Ma
Writers: David Ma, Johnathan Lo
Producer: Georgia Noe (Floating Leaf Pictures)

When budding high school filmmaker Oliver Zhang is roped into blackmailing his teacher to save his cousin from expulsion, he finds himself in way too deep, confronted by moral choices he thought only existed in the movies.

Hardly a Wallflower (VIC)

Jessica Smith, Scarlett Koehne and Olivia Muscat

Writer: Olivia Muscat
Writer/Director: Jessica Smith
Producer: Scarlett Koehne (Pikelet Pictures)

A blind novelist goes undercover at her best friend’s flower shop in a last-ditch attempt to save her writing career, only to find her cynical stance on romance tested by a Valentine’s Day spirit and a budding romantic tangle of her own.

In Her Body (QLD)

Rachel Maxine Anderson and Rae Choi

Writers/Directors: Rachel Maxine Anderson, Rae Choi

Vanessa, a high-flying architect, and Thelma, her unassuming housecleaner, switch bodies, forcing each to confront the cost of their unspoken sacrifices before it's too late.

Mangrove Mansion (QLD)

Mary Duong and Rhianna Malezer

Writer/Producer: Mary Duong (Super Fruity)
Writer/Director: Rhianna Malezer

When her estranged dad derails their wedding plans, Sunny and fiancé Alex commandeer his houseboat to get him to the mainland. Crashing into a stinking mess of mud and mangroves, they must survive the sinking boat, Country, and each other to get unstuck.

Nailing It! (TAS)

Kartanya Maynard and Takani Clark

Writers: Takani Clark, Kartanya Maynard

After botching a Welcome to Country, a culturally disconnected Aboriginal woman accidentally opens a passageway to the spiritual realm. Now supernatural entities wreak havoc, forcing her to juggle exorcisms and entrepreneurship, and embark on a challenging journey of self-discovery.

Tantrum (VIC)

Sunanda Sachatrakul, Vidya Rajan and Jemma Cotter

Writers: Vidya Rajan, Sunanda Sachatrakul
Directors: Jemma Cotter, Vidya Rajan

Varsha’s doing a career-defining comedy gig. So, when best friend Jeev's screaming toddler derails the night - she snaps, calling out their entitlement in an anti-parent rant that goes viral... and tilts their friendship into a bitter, life-altering feud.

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.