10 Shows to Watch to Support Cultural Diversity on Screen

The lack of cultural diversity in Australian film and television is no secret. This issue has previously been explored in LEXIGO's blog post, Cultural Diversity (or lack of?) on Aussie TV.

Now with on-demand services, we have the power to change things by choosing to watch shows with culturally diverse characters, stories and production teams.

Here are ten of LEXIGO's favourites to get you started.

Films

Ali's Wedding (2017, Directed by Jeffrey Walker, Written by Osamah Sami and Andrew Knight)

A romantic comedy about Melbourne-based Ali, who tells a lie that spirals into a disastrous series of events.

Blinded by the Light (2019, Written, Directed and Produced by Gurinder Chadha)

The coming-of-age story of British-Pakistani Muslim teenager Javed, set to a Bruce Springsteen soundtrack. If you want more by Gurinder Chadha, check out Bend It Like Beckham and The Viceroy's House.

Looking for Alibrandi (2000, Directed by Kate Woods, Written by Melina Marchetta)

A classic celebration of Italo-Australian culture, told through the trials and tribulations of Josephine Alibrandi, in her final year of high school.

Whale Rider (2002, Directed and Written by Niki Caro)

An intergenerational tale of Pai and her small Maori coastal community in New Zealand, determined to maintain their ancestor's traditions.

Documentaries

Another Country (2015, Directed by Molly Reynolds, Narrated by David Gulpilil)

The story of how the Yolngu people from across northern Arnhem Land had their way of life taken away from them, only to be forced into an inferior version of western life.

He Named Me Malala (2015, Davis Guggenheim)

The story of Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who had to flee Pakistan after being shot by the Taliban for her stance on women's rights. Malala, her father Zia and their family continue to fight to give girls' education worldwide.