A New Initiative to Amplify First Peoples’ Voices
VicScreen, National Indigenous Television (NITV), and Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) have announced the four projects set to receive funding as part of the Sovereign Shorts initiative. This program is designed to elevate the voices of First Peoples, with a focus on projects exploring the nature of Treaty and the meaning of self-determination.
As outlined by the Victorian Government, Treaty is about the importance of First Peoples leading the way and designing policies and solutions to achieve ‘better outcomes across areas like health, housing and education’. A new bill to ensure Treaty is entrenched in parliamentary decisions was formally signed in Victoria in November 2025, allowing for stronger, First Peoples-led determination across decisions that impact local communities.
The four short documentaries supported by the Sovereign Shorts initiative all focus on different aspects of Treaty and its impact on lived experiences; the productions are guided by mentorship and resources provided by VicScreen, NITV, and MIFF.
Each project will receive a ‘gala world premiere screening’ during the 74th annual Melbourne International Film Festival in August. They will also screen at various MIFF venues following their debut, and be available to stream for free via MIFF Online between 20-30 August. Thereafter, the Sovereign Shorts will be available to view on NITV and SBS On Demand.
The Four Documentaries Supported by Sovereign Shorts
Here’s the full list of documentaries funded in the Sovereign Shorts program:
Dya (Country)
by Tracey Rigney (Wotjobaluk writer, director and producer), Desiree Cross (co-producer) and Joel Boyd (co-producer): ‘A regional First Nations filmmaker explores the Wotjobaluk Nations’ underdog fight for recognition, revealing Treaty as a complex mosaic with deeply local, lived realities unfolding far from Melbourne.’Queens to the Front
by Tammy Lee Rock (Pakana writer, director), Carter Looker (producer) and Sophie Somerville (producer): ‘Queens to the Front is a dialogue between filmmaker Tammy Lee Rock and public figure Senator Lidia Thorpe, revealing insights into the personal impact of treaty and sovereignty.’Protest on the Dancefloor
by Talia Liddle (Arrernte and Luritja writer, director) and Travis Cloudy-Hensgen (Torres Strait – Ugar, Iama, Erub producer): ‘Protest on the Dancefloor explores how Blackfellas in Melbourne use music and dancefloors to create spaces of sovereignty, connection and liberation amidst an ever-changing political climate.’Slow Hours
by Theo McMahon (Bundjalung writer, director, producer) and Lucie McMahon (co-producer): ‘Through the poetic, hopeful lens of Amelia, a young Indigenous teenager, we encounter the intertwined lives of three women, each embodying a different stage in the fragile evolution of First Nations hope in Victoria’s fight for sovereignty.’
Perspectives from VicScreen and the Victorian Government
Per VicScreen, these new projects form part of a commitment to elevate First Peoples voices in Victoria, with funding allowing for essential stories to be told.
‘VicScreen is committed to creating development opportunities for First Peoples screen storytellers and celebrating the depth of talent and bold storytelling emerging from Victoria,’ Caroline Pitcher, CEO of VicScreen said in a media release.
‘This exciting initiative has enabled First Peoples writers, directors and producers to share what Treaty means to them and their communities with wider audiences through MIFF, NITV and SBS On Demand.’
Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward was enthusiastic about the ways the Sovereign Shorts program celebrates Treaty and represents its importance for all Victorians.
‘In 2025, Victoria became the first Australian state to sign a Treaty with its First Peoples – a landmark moment in our state’s history. We’re proud to support First Peoples filmmakers to reflect on and celebrate this significant milestone through these powerful documentaries,’ Ward said.
