ABC upfronts: Israel Folou documentary among 2022 programming

The Israel Folau controversy will be explored in a new documentary that asks if he’s a “homophobic bigot” or “persecuted freedom fighter”.

The controversy surrounding Israel Folau will be explored in a documentary on the ABC in 2022. Picture: Jerad Williams

The ABC has commissioned a documentary about controversial former footballer Israel Folau.

The film promises to be an “in-depth look” at Folau, charting his personal and professional history, including his public demise.

Folau became a flashpoint in public discourse after he posted homophobic messages on social media, which led to a battle with his employer, Rugby Australia.

The documentary will be directed by Nel Minchin, a filmmaker who recently co-directed Firestarter: The Story of Bangarra and has previously worked on Matilda & Me, Making Muriel, Capturing Cricket: Steve Waugh in India and The Truth about Anxiety.

An ABC spokesperson said: “Folau is one of Australia’s most gifted and controversial athletes. His story is part of a broader debate in Australia about censorship, hate speech, religion and freedom of speech.

“A homophobic bigot to some, a persecuted freedom fighter to others. His story is a complex one and worthy of exploration.”

It’s not confirmed if Folau will be involved in the film.

The Folau doco is one of many titles the public broadcaster revealed for its 2022 programming slate, which includes new scripted drama and comedy series as well as current affairs, lifestyle, factual and entertainment projects.

The highlights include:

Barons: A 1970s-set drama series about a group of friends who start a surf brand business, from creators Michael Lawrence, John Molloy and Liz Doran. It stars Sean Keenan, Jillian Nguyen and Ben O’Toole.

Mystery Road: Origins: The series delves into Jay Swan’s past as Mark Coles Smith takes over the role of Aaron Pedersen’s famous detective. The series is set in 1999 in Jay’s hometown as we find out what made Jay Swan the man he is.

Summer Love: Created by Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, it’s an anthology series that tells the love stories under the roof of one holiday beach house. Writers include Alison Bell, Kodie Bedford, Kate Mulvany, Miranda Tapsell and Harriet Dyer.

Stories from Oz: A documentary-cum-musical series, The Chaser’s Chris Taylor and Andrew Hansen will retell stories from Australian history and culture through song and dance. The stories include Princess Mary’s betrothal, Steve Bradbury, Schapelle Corby, Pistol and Boo and the Tampa crisis.

Troppo: Nicole Chamoun and Thomas Jane star in this drama about an ex-con who partners up with an ex-cop.

Nicole Chamoun and Thomas Jane in Troppo. Picture: ABC

A Dog’s World: Everyone’s favourite sports presenter Tony Armstrong will team up with everyone’s favourite furbabies, dogs, to understand the science behind the bond between humans and doggos.

Savage River: Katherine Langford (13 Reasons Why, Cursed) returns to Australia to star in this murder mystery set in regional Victoria.

Southern Ocean Live: Hamish Macdonald and Dr Ann Jones will present this title exploring Australia’s wildlife below and above the sea.

Tiny Oz: Jimmy Rees presents this series that looks at the world of minitiatures.

Ithaka: A Fight to Free Julian Assange: This documentary follows Julian Assange’s father John Shipton over two years as he tries to free his controversial son.

ABC’s 2022 slate also includes the return of Question Everything, Fisk, the final season of Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery, Tomorrow Tonight, Bluey, Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked, Mad as Hell, Hard Quiz, Aftertaste, Gardening Australia, Art Works and more.

Old People’s Home for Teenagers will be a spin-off from Old People’s Home for 4-Year-Olds while Back in Time for The Corner Shop is a spin on Back in Time for Dinner.