Social Observation films
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
A series of four one-hour documentaries about families and relationships:-
1. NO PLACE LIKE HOME
This was the first independent production commissioned by the ABC using the then ‘new’ mini-DV format, the small size of which permitted unobtrusive filming with available lighting and minimal intrusion. The film follows the lives of two families living with children thought to suffer from ADHD. It records their daily challenges as they receive help in the form of full-time, dedicated case workers on call for them around the clock. Intervening directly in the families’ homes, the workers help guide them through the day-to-day challenges of managing children with behavioural problems.
2. YOU ALWAYS HURT THE ONES YOU LOVE
This film was shot by David Flatman using the mini-DV format and was a finalist for the AFI Best Documentary. A very powerful film that illustrates the problems facing men and their families as they try to rebuild their lives away from the threat of domestic violence.
This film follows the men who take part in a series of group therapy sessions designed to help them deal with their anger and violence in the home. The men were given the option of attending weekly group sessions or being forcibly removed from their families. In one case the offending man’s child was removed and placed in foster care. Over a six-month period the men’s progress was recorded as they tried to re-establish relationships with their partners and children.
3. THOUGHT IT WAS LOVE
When a marriage founders one of the biggest challenges to both partners is what will happen with the children. In many cases this dilemma has been the catalyst for much anger, recrimination and sometimes violence following rulings of the Family Court that may seem to favour one parent over the other. The relatively new concept of shared parenting as a means of addressing complete breakdown is explored in this film. As an alternative to one parent gaining full custody of the children after the break-up, both parents share equal access to their offspring. Our film follows two families as they adjust their lives and manage shared parenting.
4. WELCOME TO INTIMACY
This film follows two women suffering from anxiety and depression. Both are participating in an intensive therapy program designed to help them understand their own behaviour and how it has influenced their lives. An important part of this program is that their families are encouraged to intensely participate at certain stages of this process. This allows both the women and their families to get an understanding of how they communicate and interact with each other. It also increases their understanding of how they affect each other, helping familiarise them all with the experience of intimacy.
POETRY IN MOTION
A film about young female gymnasts preparing for Olympic competition under the tutelage of their well known Chinese coach Ju Ping Tuan.
Living Better Series
A series of 3 one-hour TV documentaries about major issues facing Australians living in the changing world.
1. THE BIG AUSTRALIANS
Follows members from several families as they come to grips with the challenges of obesity and the pressures imposed by life in modern society that discourages a healthy diet and lifestyle.
2. THE HIDDEN KILLER
How do we contribute to our own undoing – and how can we take control? This film looks at the consequences of avoidable tragedies that have beset some families. From the little boy severely burned by boiling water to the young man killed on the road, all have been hurt in accidents that could have been avoided. We try to find out why.
3. STEPPING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK
Some people have an outlook on life that keeps them young and fresh as they move inexorably into old age. This film looks at some inspiring examples of remarkable people whose attitudes and approach to life keep them young despite facing the many challenges that ageing brings.