Grace Beside Me is a new 13-part children’s series, adapted from the award-winning novel by Sue McPherson.
The series tells the charming story of an Indigenous girl Fuzzy Mac (played by Kyliric ‘Kiki’ Masella). Fuzzy just wants to be an ordinary teenager and have fun with her mates. This isn’t easy given Fuzzy’s ancestors have other plans for her. Oh, and not to mention she keeps seeing ghosts!
With one foot in the Indigenous realm of culture, Country, and spirits, and the other firmly planted in the world of a 21st century teenager, Fuzzy’s journey is to realise she belongs to both in her own unique way.
The series was filmed entirely on location in the Scenic Rim area of South-East Queensland, and stars up and coming talent, including Kyliric ‘Kiki’ Masella as Fuzzy Mac, Mairehau Grace and Tjiirdm McGuire as Fuzzy’s best buddies Tui and Yar, and Tessa Rose and Charles Passi as Nan and Pop.
NITV’s Channel Manager, Tanya Orman, said NITV is delighted to bring Sue McPherson’s exceptional story to life and introduce Fuzzy Mac to audiences across Australia.
“The series brings Indigenous culture to the forefront and is important because it lets Indigenous kids see themselves on screen in a positive and fun way, and demystifies Indigenous culture for non-Indigenous audiences.
“At a time when Australian children are hungry for home-grown drama series, NITV is proud to create a televised adaptation of this well-known Australian Indigenous novel through an exceptionally talented cast.”
Producers Lois Randall (The Gods of Wheat Street) and Dena Curtis (8MMM Aboriginal Radio, Shadow Trackers) said, “Grace Beside Me is thoroughly modern Australian drama that shows – in all its humour and pathos – the joys and challenges of teenage life for our utterly compelling young heroine, Fuzzy Mac.”
NITV co-commissioned the series with ABC children’s channel ABC ME with Screen Australia being a major investor in the series, along with Screen Queensland and Cutting Edge.
Grace Beside Me airs from Friday, 16 February 2018 at 7.30pm on NITV (Ch. 34). #GraceBesideMe
Episodes of Grace Beside Me will be available from Friday, 16 February on SBS On Demand via https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/grace-beside-me
