THINK FILMS

26/07/2024

I've recently become nail bitingly obsessed with something called dot watching. It's an exciting little deviation from work-related demands.

The reason I've become obsessed with dot watching is a person called Abdullah Zeinab - an Adelaide born ultra-endurance cyclist who's redefining limits.

Seven years ago, whilst filming the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race across Australia, one of the main characters in his film, Mike Hall, died in a tragic road accident whilst competing.

Drawing on inspiration from Mike and other competitors in the race, Abdullah decided to begin his own cycling journey and went on to win that very same race just one year later. He subsequently won the 2019 Transamerica BikeRace (6800kms) and the 2022 RHINO Run (2,741km course across Africa.)

This year Abdullah is taking part in the 10th anniversary of the prestigious The Transcontinental Race (founded by Mike Hall). He sees this as an opportunity to not only take on his biggest challenge to date, but also to close a circle that was opened seven years ago when he met Mike and began his ultra-endurance journey.

For Abdullah, cycling is about much more than riding a bike. He believes its true value lies in the opportunity to explore the outer limits of his mind by pushing his body beyond its conceivable limits.

Abdullah is currently in second place. He's the underdog in this race, having never competed in a TCR before. He has now been riding for 3 days, 20 minutes and has slept for only 9 hours 53 minutes.

Our THINK FILMS team is currently in Bosnia filming the race and making their way towards the third checkpoint at Kosovo. Below are stills taken recently of Abdullah riding through Bosnia.

I'm very excited to be producing Ultra. Ultra is not just a film about cycling, it is a film about the lengths that one will go to in the pursuit of validation. A film that so many of us will relate to. Already we have interest from an international film festival and a streamer in this film. Exciting times ahead.

If you're keen to explore dot watching Abdullah as he races, he's number 21 and here's the dot watching link: https://lnkd.in/gaX5uXCm

Stay tuned for an immersive look into one man's extraordinary journey. 🚴‍♂️🎥

21/05/2024

Sometimes, new doors can open after a setback, starting a whole new journey. This is what happened to Al Archer, who returned to Australia inspired by a setback in LA to create the Emmaus Community, supporting adults with complex mental ill health.

We turned Al's story into a documentary for ABC called "A Place to Call Home." This 26-minute film follows the emotional journey of the Emmaus Community in Perth, highlighting their challenges and Al's inspiring transformation.

First featured on ABC Compass, it had 518,000 views in its first month, bringing national attention to the Emmaus Community. If you have 26 minutes, watch "A Place to Call Home" by following the link below to learn more about this incredible journey.

Nice work team !
Director/Producer Lara Damiani
🎥 Cinematography Peter Gleeson
🎥 Cinematography and Stills 📷 Claudio Raschella
Location Sound Recordist Steve Trowbridge
Editor David Banbury
Sound Carlos Manrique Clavijo

and most amazing human Al Archer

A beautifully emotional story of mental health, seen through the experiences of a group of people who found their sanctuary at the Emmaus Community in Perth....

07/05/2024

We don’t just make films; we open minds, provoke thought and give people a voice. Whether it’s turning the lens to capture a narrative or helping to find the words, we create environments where stories can be told.

We're committed to compelling stories that have the potential to drive social change. Born out of a desire to demonstrate solutions to some of our most pressing global problems through film and interactive multimedia, our work is governed by a belief that documentaries have the power to change perceptions, mobilise support and inspire action.

Through our work we are able to carve out a moment of silence so that real stories can be heard.

07/05/2024

In 2014, Lara Damiani's journey to Emmaus Community in Perth marked the beginning of a lasting connection. Initially tasked with creating a short film spotlighting the community's impact in providing long-term homes for adults facing mental health challenges, she soon found myself immersed in a world of deep human connection.

Six years later, amidst national lockdowns at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, we unveiled a powerful documentary on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) titled "A Place to Call Home."

This documentary explored Emmaus Community's transformative influence, not only on its residents but also on the broader mental health landscape of Western Australia.

At its heart, "A Place to Call Home" narrated the remarkable genesis of Emmaus Community, rooted in Br Al Archer's journey from pursuing fame and fortune in Los Angeles to his unwavering commitment to providing stability and support for those in need.

Through this documentary, viewers were invited to connect with Emmaus residents as they witnessed the unveiling of their photographic portraits for the first time.

We love that the essence of our work lies in sharing short form impact stories for online audiences but also creating and sharing longer form impact pieces for viewers across broadcast and streaming platforms.

Photo by Claudio Raschella Photographer

24/03/2024

Feeling generous today ?

Consider supporting our GoFundMe campaign that will help us film this July for our new feature documentary called Ultra.

Hi, my name is Lara Damiani and I'm the producer of a new premium feature document… Lara Damiani needs your support for New feature documentary called "Ultra"

22/03/2024

Hello friends. It's that time again. When we seek to tickle your interest and arouse your support.

On behalf of our team and our new feature documentary currently in development, our producer Lara Damiani has launched a GoFundMe campaign to kickstart this thing.

It's a story about ultra endurance cycling but not a story about cycling. It's a story about racing but not about getting to the finish line first. It's a story about extreme sports but not a story about athleticism.

This is a story that will resonate with all of us. A story that explores the human quest for validation. It's a story that follows born Abdullah Zeinab - an enigma in the ultra endurance cycling world as he takes on his biggest challenge to date: The Transcontinental Race across Europe.

For each of us - when is enough, enough ? How much do we need to have before we start feeling good about ourselves ? How do we get to know our real value ?

Will you be the first supporter of our fundraiser ?


https://gofund.me/e12b6a9b

05/03/2024

You know those moments when you’re introduced to someone and you think “wow 😮 this person is truly special” ?

Last year Adelaide born Abdullah Zeinab came into our office. From that moment of first meeting and then getting to know his story we were totally intrigued. We knew his story had to be made into film. That film is “Ultra” - a feature documentary aiming for Sundance 2025.

‘Ultra’ offers an inspiring and intimate portrait of undefeated ultra-endurance cyclist, Abdullah Zeinab, as he prepares for his biggest challenge to date, the 4000 kilometre Transcontinental Race across Europe.

Abdullah is an enigma in ultra-endurance cycling. A filmmaker turned plant based athlete who’s won every race he’s entered to date. This race will be the ultimate test of mind, body and spirit, and Abdullah looks not only to win, but to use this extreme feat of endurance as a catalyst to explore the depths of his inner self. ‘Ultra’ is not a film about cycling, it is a film about the lengths that one will go to in the pursuit of purpose, meaning and happiness. It's a film that explores the global theme "when am I enough?" and a poignant philosophical film about what it means to be human.

Should you feel inspired to support this project, we’re on a mission to raise funds for time critical filming of the race in July and the lead up.

Check out our project if you’d like to know more. Support is tax deductible.

We have been developing "Ultra" since September 2023. We feel strongly there is appetite for this film and will be pitching this at the 2024 Australian International Documentary Conference. We're currently raising funds to complete our development stage to deliver a Pitch Deck and Teaser to take to....

27/02/2024

We made a thing.

Not just for teachers but anyone interested in history, truth telling and reconciliation. A digital learning resource called “Banjo Morton: The Untold Story”.

You can explore the site and the curriculum-aligned teaching resources for years 5-10 and years 11-12 at www.banjomorton.com.au.

This is a story of courage, honour and justice. A part of Australian history that we were privileged to be able to share. This is Banjo's story.

Word Ninjas Lara Damiani Jed Lehmann Mone Mundy

26/02/2024

Take a look at what Shannon Simpson, Head of Faculty - Humanities from Rostrevor College, said about our digital learning resource Banjo Morton: The Untold Story.

You can explore the educational resources available to teachers at: www.banjomorton.com.au/educational-resources
This is a story of courage, honour and justice. A part of Australian history that we were privileged to be able to share. This is Banjo's story.

18/02/2024

Alexei Navalny was a Russian opposition leader and former presidential candidate. In tightly controlled Russia, Alexei Navalny stood out as a galvanizing force, facing detentions, threats, poisonings, and a recent stint in a penal colony in the Arctic. His unwavering belief in a democratic Russia free from Putin's tyranny terrified the regime.

Navalny's tragic silencing deprived him of the opportunity to translate his moral authority into political power, yet his legacy lives on through inspiring anti-Putin activism among ordinary Russians. Navalny's call for the movement to persist, even in the face of his potential assassination, underscores his enduring strength and influence.

One of the best documentary’s we saw last year was Navalny. It offers insight into Navalny’s tenacity and courage and details his 2020 assassination attempt, in which he was poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent.

If ever there was a case for the power of documentary films, it is definitely right now with this one.

The film’s tagline : “The most dangerous job in the world is going against Putin”.

It’s available to watch on DocPlay. If you can, watch it.

06/02/2024

A little peek at the digital resource we made, in association with the Morton family from Ampilatwatja community, honouring the legacy of Alyawarr elder Banjo Morton and recognising his importance in Australia's history. This is a great resource for HAAS teachers around Australia with ready-made curriculum-aligned teaching resources designed for years 5-10 and years 11-12.

This multimedia resource is a dynamic, easy to use interactive learning and teaching resource for teachers of HAAS, Science, English and Media Arts.

You can preview and order the educational resources from the Home menu.

Teacher friends - please take a look and share to your network if you think you know others who could benefit from this digital educational resource.


www.banjomorton.com.au

06/02/2024

A little peek at the digital resource we made, in association with the Morton family from Ampilatwatja community, honouring the legacy of Alyawarr elder Banjo Morton and recognising his importance in Australia's history. This is a great resource for HAAS teachers around Australia with ready-made curriculum-aligned teaching resources designed for years 5-10 and years 11-12.

This multimedia resource is a dynamic, easy to use interactive learning and teaching resource for teachers of HAAS, Science, English and Media Arts.

You can preview and order the educational resources from the Home menu.

Teacher friends - please take a look and share to your network if you think you know others who could benefit from this digital educational resource.

01/01/2024

We’re gutted to hear news of the passing of John Pilger.

Aptly put by The Conversation Australia + NZ “His numerous books and especially his documentaries opened the world’s eyes to the failings, and worse, of governments in many countries – including his birthplace.”

It was John Pilger who inspired our founder . In 2001, Lara wrote to John hoping to find work with him. He was gracious to respond with a hand written note In it he wrote: “ Dear Lara. Thanks for your excellent letter. It reminded me of when I wrote to people in London from Sydney at your age. Alas, I can’t help. I don’t employ anyone. My TV company supports a small team and we all make the coffee. I’m sorry. I wish you every success. I have a feeling you’ll go far. All good wishes. John Pilger”

21/12/2023

In the Spirit of the Season, Think Films is taking a little break this year. Back on 8th January. Best and merriest Christmas wishes to everyone. Be happy. Be safe. Be surrounded by loved ones. Be rested. Be peaceful. Be grateful. Enjoy.

12/07/2023

Good Morning Snowtown! A glorious morning here for the first stop on our road trip to Oodnadatta via Coober Pedy. This one’s for cricket 🏏 fans and horror movie 🎥 fans. 😱😱Snowtown. 🏏 South Australian Cricket Association

07/07/2023

This week we remember and honour the legacy of Banjo Petyarre Morton.

Banjo stood up for Indigenous workers rights and for his community in two historical Walk Offs 60 years apart. First in 1949 calling for money for wages instead of rations and then in 2009 against the Federal Government’s Intervention.

Find out more about respected Alywarr man Banjo Morton: www.banjomorton.com.au.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

02/05/2023

Who thinks that our Dusty Wicket team member Sumeda is Lasith Malinga ‘s doppleganger ??? 😁😁
Send us your thoughts 👇👇. 🏏

11/04/2023

Look what our graphics department just delivered!

Our co-producer Lara Damiani holding a concept poster for our “Dusty Wicket” film. The tagline: A Town - A Team - A Dusty Wicket - One Big Dream.

We’re really excited to be developing this wonderful heartwarming documentary film.

Dusty Wicket is an uplifting Australian-Sri Lankan documentary film. It captures the hopes and aspirations of remote outback communities amd Fernando’s Sri Lankan Coober Pedy cricket team as they come together in their quest to challenge a team of champion players from across Australia for the Dusty Wicket trophy.

The poster will live proudly on our production office wall!
Peter Hall District Council Coober Pedy Coober Pedy Together Coober Pedy, South Australia Sri Lanka Cricket Cricket Australia

03/04/2023

What a magnificent moment ! Our co-producer/director Peter Hall handing over a ball signed by Sri Lankan cricket legend Muttiah Muralitharan to the captain of the Coober Pedy Cricket Club Dilusha Fernando!

We’re already dreaming about how we might get the next ball signed by Lasith Malinga 😁😁🥰

We’re excited to be developing this wonderful new documentary called “Dusty Wicket” - a story about how a bat, a ball and a dusty wicket really can change lives.


Coober Pedy Together Coober Pedy, South Australia District Council of Coober Pedy Adelaide Film Festival
Peter Hall
Lara Damiani
Fernando

02/04/2023

It’s golden hour here in Coober Pedy as Peter prepares for our “Dusty Wicket” poster shot. The result was a truly spectacular capture which we can’t wait to share with you!

31/03/2023

It’s grey, overcast and drizzly today but that hasn’t stopped us. Day 2 in Coober Pedy in development for our new documentary “Dusty Wicket”. A film about community. connecting, coming together and cricket. Looking forward to sharing more !

30/03/2023

The Sri Lankan cricket team out at practice last night. Great to meet you all We’re looking forward to working with you to develop our documentary film “Dusty Wicket”. Thanks Coober Pedy Together for supporting this project! We think it’s going to be fantastic!

10/03/2023

We need the help of the Coober Pedy Community and its friends to raise $30,000 to take this film in… Coober Pedy Together needs your support for Dusty Wicket

16/02/2023

Ever heard of the Great Southern Reef ?

16 million Australians’ live within 50km of the Great Southern Reef yet few know it exists. Many can’t picture what kelp forests look like, and few appreciate the importance of these ecosystems from an environmental, economic or cultural perspective.

We are so excited to be collaborating with Ocean Imaging and Great Southern Reef Foundation to help bring to to screens everywhere a new environmental documentary.

Our Great Southern Reef film will explore the magnificence of this expansive stretch of underwater world, the animals and creatures who depend on it, the custodians who protect it and those who threaten it.

It’s a reminder of humankind’s place in this miracle of our natural world and a timely reminder of why it needs to be preserved.

We’ve launched a campaign to raise funds for development and this is an exciting opportunity to get involved, give us your support and help us bring this story to life and to the world!

More information about our film and tax deductible donations can be found and made here:

The Great Southern Reef is an extensive kelp forest reef system straddling the entire southern coastline of Australia. Yet few even know it exists. The fishers, scientists, surfers, divers, educators and artists whose way of life depends on these reefs are the local stewards and custodians of their....

14/12/2022

Ngana niina nari ? That means "what's your name" in the Kaurna language. (ps for those who don't know, pronounce Kaurna like "garna" not with a K)

What a fantastic afternoon with legend Buckskin who guided us through a wonderful, insightful, funny and thoroughly enjoyable language workshop.

Thank you to our good friends Studio Veld for the invitation. A perfect way to come to the end of the year together.

08/12/2022

How can we help you amplify your message ?
.. by telling your story in a compelling way that will reach audiences around Australia.

Our story about the work of NGO Sight For All called "Little Bang's New Eye" reached 43,000 people around the country over two years streaming on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Australia.

Reach out if you have a story that needs to reach wide audiences and let's see if we can help you !

20/11/2022

Our commitment to the UN SDGs underlies everything we do.

We recently helped Sturt Football Club demonstrate how their Double Blues Go Green Plastic Free initiative, supported by Green Industries SA, reduced 96% of match day waste last year, from going to landfill.

An excellent achievement and one we hope many more sporting and community clubs will follow !



You can find out more by watching the short film here:

A short film demonstrating the impact Sturt Football Club is making through their Plastic Free initiative which was supported by Green Industries SA. A brilliant…

06/11/2022

We're excited to announce our partnership with the super guys at Imaging Stefan Andrews and Kingsley Griffin supporting the excellent work of Great Southern Reef Foundation.

Working alongside producer Lara Damiani, we’re thrilled about this winning team 🥇!

Stay tuned for more news about our collaboration and the impact documentary we'll be making !

Think !

Looking forward to this journey !

Image by Ocean Imaging (Stefan Andrews)
"Silver drummer school above a patch of thriving golden kelp on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia"

06/11/2022

“I highly recommend this site and resources. Everyone should learn the story of Banjo Morton!”

Thank you Naomi Nicholas - Head of Community Engagement at Cool Australia for the latest recommendation for our interactive educational multimedia digital resource Banjo Morton: The Untold Story !

If you're a HASS teacher, please check it out. A rich resource with downloadable study guide and teachers kit available !

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains images, voices and names of people who have passed away.