Facing the Numbers
Facing the Numbers explores the real life stories behind the appalling statistics of First Nations disadvantage in the criminal justice system in Australia.
First Nations People in Australia are the most disproportionately incarcerated people in the world, making up 32% of prison populations while comprising only 3.8% of the total Australian population.
Since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in 1991 there have been 580 First Nations deaths, without a single perpetrator brought to justice.
Many Australians know these statistics, yet few are familiar with the systemic issues that lead to them. Even fewer understand how these numbers impact individual experiences.
Numbers don’t convince people. Yet, stories do. Facing the Numbers will cut through apathy by putting Australians in the shoes of First Nations people who have been harmed by the legal system, to reveal how racism infiltrates policies, policing, judicial practices, and even the most ordinary aspects of everyday life.
Facing the Numbers is a cinematic exploration into the human stories behind the appalling statistics of First Nations disadvantage in the criminal justice system in Australia. Giving faces to these numbers highlights the systemic racism experienced by Aboriginal people that sees us over-represented in these systems.
Grounded in truth-telling, the series showcases the remarkable strength and resilience of First Nations people who are still here — protecting Country, culture and community — despite deep institutional and systemic racism.
Credits
Storytellers: Uncle Michael 'Widdy' Welsh (Wongaibon), Geoffrey Johnson (Wiradjuri), Kylie Hampton (Gurindji), Matthew Coe (Wiradjuri) and Mark Mason Snr (Gomeroi)
Directors: Tyson Perkins (Arrernte and Kalkadoon) and Kieran Satour (Gurundji/Malngin, Pertame Arrernte, Worimi and Baloch (Afghan))
Writers: Tyson Perkins and Kieran Satour
Executive Producer: Rona Glynn-McDonald (Kaytetye)
Producers: Laurrie Mansfield, Kieran Satour and Ramona Telecican
Director of Photography: Tyson Perkins
Stills: James Evans
Facing the Numbers is a partnership between Common Ground, GARUWA & Tyson Perkins
Major Partner
Supported by
This project was filmed on Gadigal, Gameygal, Dharug, Wangal Lands. We pay deep respects to these Traditional Owners, the many clans of the Sydney region, and their Ancestors, Elders, and Community leaders.
Sovereignty was never ceded. Always was. Always will be.