Australian documentary, Skin in the Game, to have major release at Sunny Side

Executive Producer at NITV, Marissa McDowell said “NITV are delighted to share this impactful sports documentary looking to change the hearts and minds of our sports institutions. Marlee Silva takes us on a personal journey as she highlights the inequality of women in sport and the necessary action required to create positive change for the next generation. This documentary uncovers the treatment of women historically in sport, sexual discrimination, pay discrepancy and the current domestic violence crisis within Australian. It poses the question is our nation doing enough to champion women in sport to create an even playing ground.”

Presenter, Writer and Executive Producer, Marlee Silva said “I embarked on this personal journey with the understanding that the game I grew up in, could change lives. What I didn’t expect was to discover the implications of the way this sport can influence attitudes held towards women and its potential as a tool for social change. There’s a universality in this that feels urgent and poignant. I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be able to stand beside Southern Pictures and particularly my father, whose story inspired this exploration, at Sunny Side of the Doc. I am too, incredibly hopeful for the change that may be ignited by the messages we’ve captured in Skin in the Game.”

Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said “Marlee is such a force for change, both on and off the field and recognises the power that rugby league has to inspire change right across the nation. Screen NSW is thrilled to support Marlee and the team at Southern Pictures bringing this story to audiences at Sunny Side of the Doc and later this year on NITV.”

"An invitation to the prestigious Sunny Side of the Doc reflects the high regard that Australian stories and storytellers are held on the global stage".

Screen Australia Head of Documentary, Richard Huddleston said “An invitation to the prestigious Sunny Side of the Doc reflects the high regard that Australian stories and storytellers are held on the global stage. One of the many strengths of documentary is the real-world impact it can have on issues in our communities, I hope Skin in the Game can play a part in helping to reduce the appalling levels of domestic violence in Australia.”

“For the 35th anniversary edition of Sunny Side of the Doc, we are thrilled and proud to offer all our participants an inspiring and lively celebration. The exclusive world premiere screening of Skin in the Game at the iconic Marcel Deflandre Stadium in La Rochelle, one month before the Olympic Games in France, will open the festivities with panache and talent,” says Aurélie Reman, Managing Director of Sunny Side of the Doc.

“This 60-minute documentary for NITV, featuring Marlee Silva, who will also take part in the opening keynote of the marketplace event, perfectly fits our focus on Australian and First Nations storytellers and reaffirm our commitment to empowering new voices and women’s shared ambitions, on the global stage.”

A broadcast date is yet to be announced.

Skin in the Game is written by Marlee Silva, Laurie Critchley (Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian, Magda’s Big National Health Check, The Swap) and Zac Grant (Magda’s Big National Health Check, You See Monsters, The Eviction). Executive Produced by Georgia Woodward (Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian, Missing Persons Investigation, Magda’s Big National Health Check), Marlee Silva and Laurie Critchley.

Screening on 26 June 2024, Stade Marcel Deflandre.