SBS, NITV and Screen Australia are proud to announce the commission of landmark documentary series, 2.6 Seconds, a truth-telling of a fatal meeting between two young men from two very different worlds, in the isolated community of Yuendumu in Australia's central desert. One black, the other white.
2.6 Seconds is the story of how the paths of 19-year-old Warlpiri Luritja teenager, Kumanjayi Walker, and Zachary Rolfe, the 27-year-old police officer, came to cross. It traces the tearing apart of their lives and that of their families, and the clash of two notions of justice. It is a case that reaches far beyond these two men to tell a deeply compelling, insightful and confronting story about the country both were born into.
Screen Australia's Head of First Nations Angela Bates said, "2.6 Seconds not only explores the lives of Kumanjayi Walker and Zachary Rolfe but also navigates the complex intersection of culture and justice – empowering our communities to share their truths. The First Nations Department is proud to support such an important project, which plays a crucial role in elevating First Nations narratives and fostering understanding among all Australians."
SBS Head of Unscripted Joseph Maxwell said, "With unprecedented access, 2.6 Seconds will forensically examine what happened the night Kumanjayi Walker was killed, the trial that followed, and the impact on a family and community. The series will be a purposeful and powerful examination of those events and also the far-reaching repercussions on the entire country. This landmark series reflects the role of SBS and NITV to tell important and challenging stories that impact the nation.
Director of Indigenous Content for SBS and NITV, Tanya Denning-Orman said, "The death of Kumanjayi Walker tore lives and communities apart. Over five years, we've all seen the media headlines and now, for the first time, SBS and NITV with Blackfella Films will take the time and care to tell this important story, hear from the voices involved, and in doing so, drive an important national conversation."
Blackfella Films Producer, Darren Dale said: "2.6 Seconds will vividly examine, in four one-hour episodes, the circumstances surrounding a black teenager's death at the hands of a white police officer in a place far removed from our sense of our Australia, A place where young men are lost and almost forgotten and where to some 'there are no rules'. This story will reveal the justice system where racism must be interrogated. It will shock, anger and break our hearts yet again. It will reveal to us who we still are as a nation."
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, "Darren Dale and the team at Blackfella Films are renowned for bringing bold, ambitious and complex stories to screen, highlighting many important and nuanced First Nations stories in our country. I anticipate this detailed series will spark many important conversations across the nation and will be another watershed project from Blackfella Films."
Premiering on SBS, NITV and SBS On Demand in 2025, the four-part series from leading Australian production company Blackfella Films is written and produced by Darren Dale (The Australian Wars, Meet the Neighbours) with Jacob Hickey (The Australian Wars, Addicted Australia) as series producer.
Production credit: 2.6 Seconds is a co-commission between SBS and NITV with the production of Blackfella Films. Major production investment from Screen Australia's First Nations Department in association with SBS. Financed with support from Screen NSW. Produced in association with All3Media International.
