NITV and 10 will premiere a new four-part documentary series, The First Inventors, on Thursday, 15 June, at 8.30 pm.
The documentary will celebrate and explore the world’s longest-surviving culture – that of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – with new episodes airing weekly.
The co-commission, which is a first of its kind between NITV and Network 10, is presented and narrated by Logie award-winning actor and proud Tiwi Islander man Rob Collins, who leads a team of First Nations investigators, uncovering more than 65,000 years of invention and innovation.
The First Inventors is the story of how entire landscapes were transformed, how prehistoric events were recorded as far back as the last ice age, how people navigated over extraordinary distances, and how whole societies were organised.
From ancient superhighways for trade, long-distance communication systems using secret languages engraved into message sticks, and unique social systems built to maintain genetic diversity, The First Inventors not only explores the past but questions whether this ancient knowledge might hold answers to humanity’s most pressing modern challenges.
Collins said: “The power of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge is awe-inspiring, its endurance speaks to the strength, resilience and ingenuity of Indigenous knowledge holders around this incredible country. Traditions and practices that have sustained my ancestors for countless generations, are now spurring incredible new discoveries in partnership with the best minds in science today. I can’t wait to share this amazing story of knowledge, resilience, and adventure!”
Marissa McDowell, head of Commissions NITV and proud Wiradjuri woman, said: “The First Inventors celebrates and illuminates more than 65,000 years of knowledges and cultures. We are proud to bring this series to NITV, the home of First Nations storytelling and we’re excited to share these stories from across Australia with our communities and all Australians – a collaboration between science and culture, in NITV and Network 10’s first co-commissioned series.”
Daniel Monaghan, senior vice president content and programming, Paramount Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), said: “It’s an honour to host stories of the longest enduring civilisation on earth. Not only will The First Inventors give all Australians the chance to learn more about the Country we live on, but it will also help us to better understand the world we live in. Thank you to our friends at NITV, Screen Australia and Ronde Media for helping us to bring these incredible stories to light.”
Ben Davies, executive producer, Ronde Media, said: “Making this series is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Every Australian, from school age upwards, should see the hugely entertaining and incredibly surprising stories from this series.”
Producer, Cian McCue, Moogie Down Productions said: “The First Inventors is first and foremost a celebration of culture. It is an absolute privilege to bring our First Nations knowledges to the screen.”
Alex West, head of documentary, Screen Australia, said: “Screen Australia is immensely proud to support this new documentary series, The First Inventors, from NITV and Network 10. This ground breaking four-part series will bring Australians together for an inspirational exploration into the history, innovations and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – shining a light on an extraordinary part of Australian and world history.”
Screen Territory Director, Jennie Hughes, said: “Screen Territory is thrilled to see NT filmmaker, Cian McCue co-produce The First Inventors with Ronde. The Northern Territory is a diverse and rich environment where Aboriginal culture and traditional storytelling continues to be a significant part of our everyday lives.
“This landmark series builds upon the recent success of Territorian projects such as Barrumbi Kids and True Colours and continues the tradition of delivering thought-provoking and compelling content to Australian audiences. We are also delighted to see the new collaboration between NITV and Network 10 which will see the series broadcast on both channels.”
Kyas Hepworth, head of screen NSW, said: “Screen NSW is pleased to support The First Inventors, a landmark series that explores the rich scientific contribution and enduring culture of First Nations peoples.
“A brilliant collaboration between Ronde Media, a Sydney-based production company, and the talented Larissa Behrendt, a First Nations director from NSW, this program not only showcases 65,000 years of invention and innovation but highlights how all Australians can use this knowledge and wisdom into the future. It will reach a wide audience through viewing on both NITV and Network Ten.”
The First Inventors is a Ronde Pty Ltd production for NITV and Network 10. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with NITV. Financed with support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, with Tourism Australia, Screen NSW and Screen Territory.
The First Inventors premieres on NITV and Network 10 on Thursday 15 June at 8.30pm, and continues weekly. The series will be available to stream on 10 Play and SBS On Demand, where it will be subtitled in Arabic and Simplified Chinese.
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Top image: Rob Collins