The National Gallery of Australia’s Documentary Fund aims to produce a series of annual feature-length films on the work of an eminent Australian artist to illuminate different facets of current arts practice in Australia. We proudly supported the first film in the series, Quilty: Painting the Shadows. This documentary focuses on Ben Quilty, one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists, and his important new work about the Myall Creek Massacre of 1838.

Directed by Catherine Hunter, Quilty: Painting the Shadows, is a powerful and affecting film that contributes to an understanding of Ben’s work, our history and the experience of Indigenous Australians over the past two centuries. Director Catherine Hunter had unprecedented access to Ben’s intimate process, following the artist into the personal space of his studio as he completed one of his most challenging art works. Ben spoke extensively about his drive to create: ‘My work is about compassion and empathy but also anger and resistance. Through it I hope to push compassion to the forefront of national debate.’

Quilty: Painting the Shadows premiered at the Brisbane International Film Festival in October 2019. The film screened on ABC Television in November, followed by ABC iView, and featured on Qantas’ inflight entertainment for three months from February to April 2020.