‘This Is Going To Be Big’ recognised at AIDC Awards

INSIDE FILM
7 March 2024
Sean Slatter

Thomas Charles Hyland’s This Is Going to Be Big has added the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Award for Best Feature Documentary to its gongs from last year’s Melbourne International Film Festival, receiving the $5,000 cash prize at this afternoon’s ceremony.

The high school-set documentary, which was also nominated for Best Documentary at the AACTA Awards and will soon be shown on the ABC, follows a community as they prepare for their school’s time-travelling John Farnham-themed musical. It was produced by Jim Wright, Josie Mason-Campbell and Catherine Bradbury.

In its statement, the jury said it had been touched by the “deceptively simple but masterfully crafted coming of age story”, noting the Truce Films/Fremantle production shone for its “highly original subject matter”.

“Director Thomas Charles Hyland and his team thoughtfully engages the young students to partake in the filming process which impressed the jury for its inclusive approach,” they said.

“The patient, fly-on-the-wall editing and cinematography lovingly centres the narrative within the students’ perspective to joyous and entertaining effect. One can see that the filmmaking team built a trusting relationship with the school, students, and families, resulting in a gem of a film about the power of kindness and what it means to belong.”

Hosted TV presenter, broadcaster, and educator Namila Benson, the award ceremony at ACMI marked the conclusion of the four-day conference, which this year was attended by more than 750 delegates, including 117 local and international speakers and 103 local and international decision makers.

The full list of winners:

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

This is Going to be Big
2023 | Truce Films & Fremantle Media
Jim Wright, Josie Mason-Campbell, Catherine Bradbury, Thomas Hyland

BEST DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL SERIES

Never Let Him Go
2023 | Blackfella Films & Show of Force
Darren Dale, Jacob Hickey, Jeff Dupre, Saralena Weinfield

BEST DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL SINGLE

Rebel With a Cause: Oodgeroo Noonuccal
2023 | Inkey Media
Sio F Tusa, Citt Williams

BEST SHORT-FORM DOCUMENTARY

Marungka tjalatjunu (Dipped in black)
2023 | Other Pictures & Switch Productions
Matthew Thorne, Derik Lynch

BEST AUDIO DOCUMENTARY
This award is supported by AFTRS, with a $3,000 cash prize.

House of Skulls
2023 | Sony & Audible
Marc Fennell, Pallavi Kottamasu, Paul Horan

BEST INTERACTIVE/IMMERSIVE DOCUMENTARY
This award is supported by research centre Deakin Motion Lab (DML), with a $3,000 cash prize.

Turbulence: Jamais Vu
2023 | Pernickety Split
Ben Joseph Andrews, Emma Roberts