Stan, the 9Network and Screen Australia today announced production has commenced on the upcoming Stan Original and 9Network co-commissioned series Bali 2002 – with the four-part series set to premiere later this year on Stan.
Based on the 2002 terrorist attacks on Bali's tourist hotspots, Bali 2002 is an inspiring drama that explores how everyday heroes from Bali, Australia and beyond defied the odds to bring order from chaos and hope from despair. The four-part series is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW.
Featuring a stellar cast led by AACTA Award-winners Rachel Griffiths (Total Control) and Richard Roxburgh (Rake), Bali 2002 stars Claudia Jessie (Bridgerton), Sean Keenan (Nitram), Ewen Leslie (The Gloaming) and Arka Das (The Portable Door), alongside a diverse group of Australian and Balinese actors, including Anthony Wong (The Commons), Paul Ayre (Soul Mates), Maleeka Gasbarri (The Heights), Gerwin Widjaja (The Code), Sri Ayu Jati Kartika and more.
Developed in consultation with those directly impacted by the tragedy, Bali 2002 marks the first original drama series co-commission between 9Network and Stan. The series is written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta – with Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) as story editor. AACTA Award-winner Peter Andrikidis (Eden) and Katrina Irawati Graham (Siti Rubiyah) will direct the series. Produced by Kerrie Mainwaring (Wolf Creek) for Screentime, Tim Pye executive produces, alongside Sara Richardson for Endemol Shine Australia, Michael Healy and Andy Ryan for the 9Network and Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie for Stan.
On October 12, 2002, the island paradise of Bali was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach's busiest nightclubs. Local Balinese and Australian and British tourists scrambled to rescue the injured and comfort the dying. Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilised to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place. Amidst this chaos, heroes arose from the most unlikely places and cultures united in the search for healing, justice and meaning.
Stan Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie said, "Developed in collaboration with world-class creatives from Australia and Indonesia, and in consultation with those directly impacted, Bali 2002 promises to be a powerful, inspiring and sensitively told drama series that pays respect to everyday heroes from Australia, Bali and beyond. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the teams at the 9Network, Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on the project."
Nine Director of Television Michael Healy said, "It is a privilege for the 9Network and Stan to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings with this landmark drama. The Bali bombings were a turning point in Australian and Indonesian history and we are proud to have such an outstanding multinational cast and creative team on this project. Bali 2002 is first of many co-commissions between 9Network and Stan, and we look forward to making more announcements on these collaborations in the coming months."
Screen Australia CEO Graeme Mason said, "While the devastating impact from this tragedy is still felt by so many twenty years on, Bali 2002 is an opportunity to tell a version of the story that memorialises and honours victims, survivors and their families. Screen Australia is proud to support the diverse creative team from both Indonesia and Australia, who are set to bring us an emotional yet premium Australian drama that will showcase and remind us of people's humanity and courage."
Screen NSW Head Grainne Brunsdon said, "Screen NSW is proud to partner with Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on Bali 2002, a landmark drama series bringing together a collaborative team of authentic voices to tell this important story. Supported under the Made In NSW Fund, the production will film in Western Sydney, and is expected to generate up to 810 jobs in NSW."
Endemol Shine Australia CEO Peter Newman said, "ESA is incredibly proud to produce a series that means so much to so many. Triggered by an event that shocked the world, Bali 2002 is a story of resilience and heroism born from the darkest tragedy. This is a gripping four-part series that is evocative, sensitive and reflective of the stories that have been told directly from those impacted by this event. We are genuinely delighted to be working with our extraordinary cast and amazing team of creatives to realise this landmark series for our partners at Stan and Nine."
Producer and Screentime Head of Production Kerrie Mainwaring said, "This is an important story for all Australians. We have worked hard to bring together this terrific cast and team of creatives to honour the story of all those Australians, Indonesians and others who experienced the terrible tragedy in Bali in 2002."
The Stan Original Series Bali 2002 is produced by Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia, with major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Banijay Rights is responsible for international distribution of Bali 2002.
The Stan Original Series Bali 2002 is currently in production and will premiere later this year, only on Stan.
