#SSD25 > June 23-26, 2025
Taking First Nations Stories Global with Marissa McDowell
WP_Term Object
(
[term_id] => 51
[name] => New Voices
[slug] => new-voices
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 51
[taxonomy] => news_category
[description] =>
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
[filter] => raw
[term_order] => 0
)
New Voices
WP_Term Object
(
[term_id] => 182
[name] => First Nations
[slug] => first-nations
[term_group] => 0
[term_taxonomy_id] => 182
[taxonomy] => news_category
[description] =>
[parent] => 0
[count] => 1
[filter] => raw
[term_order] => 0
)
First Nations
Taking First Nations Stories Global with Marissa McDowell
Building on its commitment from last year, Sunny Side of the Doc is proud to provide a platform where First Nations voices are heard, valued, and supported. A growing number of documentaries tackling pressing issues such as climate change and environmental justice feature First Nations voices at their core. Enabling Indigenous filmmakers to access international markets such as Sunny Side of the Doc is not just about visibility—it’s about ensuring these stories are told by those who own them.
© Jean-François Augé - First Nation Keynote at Sunny Side of the Doc 2024
Expanding Opportunities and Networks
In 2025, Sunny Side will once again foster meaningful networking opportunities, bringing together Aboriginal and First Nations industry professionals from Australia, Canada, the United States, Scandinavia, and beyond.
As part of this commitment, Marissa McDowell has been appointed Sunny Side’s First Nations Program Outreach contact. Marissa, an experienced filmmaker and Head of Commissions at NITV, will be a key reference point for First Nations producers looking to connect, share, and showcase their work at Sunny Side.
She will lead a roundtable on First Nations Talent and Outreach, fostering connections between Indigenous creators and industry professionals. Additionally, she will join an Indigenous Archives panel to explore the challenges and opportunities in preserving and sharing First Nations histories and cultural heritage. Beyond these key engagements, she will also collaborate with funding bodies and production networks to enhance support for First Nations producers.
About Marissa McDowell
Marissa McDowell is a First Nations Wiradjuri Executive Producer from Australia. She has over 20 years’ experience collectively working across, producing, directing and commissioning in the multi-media space. She is passionate about supporting the growth of First Nation stories that are creatively ambitious, innovative and diverse for global audiences.
Whilst at National Indigenous Television NITV at Special Broadcast Services SBS, she commissioned award winning original First Nations content. She supported emerging and mid-career film creatives across a number of genres, formats and initiatives in partnership with ABC, Netflix, SBS and Network 10.
Are you a First Nations creator or industry professional? Feel free to connect with Marissa at marissa.mcdowell@blackandwhitefilms.com.au