Logie Win For Local Filmmaker

A feature documentary written and directed by Brighton resident Dean Gibson has won a TV Week Logie Award.

Incarceration Nation took home the Logie for Outstanding Factual or Documentary Program at the awards ceremony at the Gold Coast in June.

Dean said he felt shocked when Incarceration Nation was announced as the winner.

“Both me and my producer Helen Morrison never really thought that our film could compete with the calibre of the other finalists,” Dean said.

“But during the night and ceremony, I had many people come and compliment the film and had a good feeling. Because our film was late in the ceremony, I spent much of the time talking myself out of the win. When we won, I just felt a level of satisfaction and recognition for all the hard work put in behind the scenes and by the courage of the people and families who shared their story of trauma and pain at the hands of the justice system in Australia.”

Dean Gibson is a multi-award winning Aboriginal filmmaker with more than 12 years’ experience in documentary and drama. Incarceration Nation, which took around four years to make, premiered last year on National Indigenous Television Network (NITV).

“It took a lot of research and commitment to dig in when at times it felt just too hard – particularly given the gravity of the content,” Dean said.

“It tells the tragic story of incarceration across Australia through the eyes of First Nation Australians, bringing in an historical context leading up to its ongoing impact today through systemic failures. The film is told through a combination of archive footage, graphics, interviews and most importantly – real lived experiences.”

The film is currently available to watch for free on SBS On Demand.

“We also encourage groups and companies to create their own screenings for members and staff,” Dean said.

“It’s an important film to watch. It gives a deeper and more considered context around the impact and collision between First Nation Australians and the justice system. It will hurt and it will create emotions – but for me, the timing of Incarceration Nation is so important as hopefully this nation begins to understand Australia’s true back/black story.”

For more information visit incarcerationnation.com.au