Illuminate Films
Recognised for the documentary Yurlu | Country which follows the late Banjima Elder Maitland Parker as he fights to protect Country.
About this finalist
- Year: 2026
- Level: Finalist
- Award category: Media Award
About the 2026 nomination
Illuminate Films is a UN Media Peace and Walkley-winning production house established by Yaara Bou Melhem. It creates visually rich films that challenge the way we see the world.
Nominated for YURLU | COUNTRY, a collaboration with First Nations Elder Maitland Parker about his fight to heal his homelands in Australia’s Pilbara region. The blue asbestos mines at Wittenoom dumped more than 3 million tonnes of blue asbestos mining waste on his traditional lands, turning it into the largest contaminated site in the Southern Hemisphere.
The film has won over a dozen film and industry awards including the Walkley Documentary Award. Its impact campaign included a Side Event at the UN Human Rights Council and Banjima People launching litigation for the remediation of their lands. It will have its global release on Al Jazeera English in 2026.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.