Cinematographer Andrew Hyde honours Cyclone Tracy 50th anniversary with documentary

A cinematographer’s documentary to honour the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy is one of four projects to receive story development grants. Read why the subject was chosen.

The 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy will be memorialised thanks to a unique documentary produced by one of the Territory’s most passionate cinematographers.

Former Australian Cinematography Society NT branch president Andrew Hyde will air ‘Tracy’ on Nine in late 2024.

Mr Hyde said his project would share stories of strength and resilience left behind by the horror cyclone.

Andrew Hyde and Derek Pugh on set for film ‘Twenty to the Mile’.

“The Tracy documentary will explore the origins of the disaster, the impact and rebirth of the city and how 50 years on, modern Darwin lives with the prospect of a return to disaster each wet season,” he said.

“The entire fabric of life in Darwin was catastrophically disrupted by Cyclone Tracy.

“The cyclone packed astonishing power, unleashing the greatest natural disaster in Australia’s history.

“At least 71 people were killed. 2023 estimates of the damage exceed $4 billion.”

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said she looked forward to watching Mr Hyde’s documentary.

“Cyclone Tracy is embedded into our Territory history,” she said.

“Myself, like many other Territorians, will remember this year the impact this event had on us all.”

Chief Minister Eva Lawler. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The documentary was one of four projects awarded grants in the first round of the NT government’s Screen Territory Funding Program 2023-24 for story development.

The first round of grants distributed $35,000 to Territory creatives for story and games development, industry partnerships, and production costs.

The other round one grant recipients include Sean Guy’s ‘Darwin Superhero’, Steph Lady’s ‘The Brass Ring’, and Tamara Whyte’s ‘The Isaac Lindsay Prison Half Hour’.

Ms Lawler said the funding program strengthened and expanded the Territory’s screen sector and its opportunities.

“I am always delighted to hear of new local productions to hit the screen,” she said.

“Not only does our screen industry showcase our Territorian stories, it contributes significantly to the economy through employment of Territorians and purchase of goods and services.”