We want to support outstanding stories about Australia and our region, that can add to the national conversation, and help create a healthier and more just society. We give filmmakers the creative freedom and independence to make the most powerful films they can, whilst supporting and encouraging them along the way.

Shark Island believes in the value of an independent and robust documentary film sector. Philanthropic grants can not only make a film happen but also achieve extremely high returns on social capital to donors, filmmakers and the community. We have seen and experienced this over the last 20 years — both as social impact filmmakers and grant-makers to documentary film production and the sector.

We established Documentary Australia in 2006 to create the first charitable organisation dedicated to the philanthropic support of documentary filmmaking in Australia. We also produced Good Pitch in Australia, supporting 19 independent social impact documentaries, bringing over $15 million of philanthropic support to the sector. Through the Shark Island Foundation we will continue to support and actively work with filmmakers and the documentary community in Australia.