Folau on ABC – This two-part documentary is the much-anticipated story of one of Australia’s most gifted and controversial athletes, and how a social media post landed him at the heart of our culture wars, derailing careers in the process.
For the first time Israel Folau’s story is examined in all its multi-layered complexity, featuring crucial Pasifika voices and exploring the nexus between freedom of religion and speech, the rights of the LGBTQI community, and how far the workplace can reasonably go to balance the two.
PART 2 Folau posts a meme based on a bible verse that states homosexuals, amongst other sinners, will go to hell. It rocks the nation and sees him sacked by Rugby Australia.
With insider accounts, this episode unpicks what happens in the hours, days and weeks that follow and shows the impact it had on the Pasifika community – straight and queer.
As he fights his former employer in the courts of justice and public opinion, he finds an ally in the Australian Christian Lobby, becoming a voice in Australia’s political cycle, galvanising forces debating the impact of a proposed religious discrimination bill.
Production credit: 2 x 60 mins. An In Films Production. Principal production investment from Screen Australia and developed with support from Screen NSW. ABC Commissioning Editor: Jo Chichester. ABC Head, Screen Sport & Events: Kath Earle. Director: Nel Minchin. Producer: Ivan O’Mahoney.
Folau – Thursday 25 May, 2023 at 8.00pm on ABC and ABC iview
Media Release – ABC
TV Central ABC content HERE
