Understory Film Opening Night - In Conversation with Douglas Watkin

Venue: Tanks Arts Centre

Artist: UNDERSTORY FILM FESTIVAL

Promoter: Ticketlink

7:00pm Thursday 20th November 2025

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We’re proud to open this year’s Festival with Cairns award-winning filmmaker Douglas Watkin of Double Wire Productions, celebrating 25 years in the screen industry.

Now based in Brisbane/Meanjin, Douglas reflects on his remarkable journey — from his first broadcast with SBS ICAM in 1995 and founding Double Wire Productions in 2000, to his pivotal role as First Nations Content Director at Screen Queensland.

His career spans work with ABC, NITV, SBS and STAN, producing acclaimed projects including The Black Diggers of Logan, ANZACS: Remembering Our Heroes Series, ELLA, Elements Series, Alick and Albert, and Rebel With A Cause – Neville Bonner, alongside deeply personal family stories such as The Queen & I and The Thin Black Line.

Through his films, Douglas champions First Nations identity, culture, and storytelling, exploring themes of representation and resilience. As a proud practitioner, he continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers — empowering voices and perspectives that are reshaping the Australian screen landscape.

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