Southern Forests Food Council brings producers, storytellers and food lovers together for documentary workshop

A group of farmers from across the Lower South West have converged with producers, storytellers and food lovers to brainstorm how to showcase the region’s produce. The production team behind a planned documentary series to promote the area’s food and drink offerings held a three-day workshop at Ampersand Estate in Peerabeelup late last month, brainstorming how to best showcase the region. It was hosted by the Southern Forests Food Council, with attendees being treated to food prepared by chefs from Hound and Hunter, and Rocco’s Deli. Documentary producer and director Bec Bignell said it was exciting to see how perceptions changed when the filmmakers and producers got together. “The workshop enabled the filmmakers to fully immerse in the region and it revealed the incredible reservoir of talent, topics, people and produce in the Southern Forest community,” she said. “The filmmakers got a chance to challenge their own assumptions about farmers and open their minds to the unique and compelling qualities of the region, and equally the farmers pushed outside their comfort zones engaging in creative experiences and activities that gave them an appreciation of what we do in the filmmaking industry. “It showed the layer of depth and nuance that can be captured when filmmakers make the effort to head out to the regions and go behind the farm gate to understand the experience on the ground.” Among those who took part in the discussions included ABC documentaries manager Stephen Oliver, with UK wine expert Olly Smith and food writer Tom Parker-Bowles — the son of Queen Camilla — joining talks virtually. Some of the region’s producers who shared their own stories included Pemberley of Pemberton owners Monica and Dave Radomiljac, Willarra Gold’s Mitchell East and Southern Forests Chocolate Company’s Kate Frost. Among the discussions were talks around audience, themes, talent and format of the planned documentary. Southern Forests Food Council chair Arthur Wilson said the process offered valuable insights into what it takes to create a compelling TV production. “We’re thrilled with the ideas generated and excited to bring them to life in the next development stages,” he said. The production team is set to refine their work and return for pilot filming in 2025, with the council to then pitch the project to commissioners and funders.