6 x 30
A bold, new documentary series that explores defining moments of recent history through the eyes, ears and voices of those who witnessed them firsthand.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be at the centre of an iconic moment of history as it unfolded before your eyes? What if history could be retold, not by journalists or historians, but by the diverse and colourful individuals who lived it in the moment? And what if this retelling was unvarnished, sometimes raw and sometimes irreverent, and occasionally contradictory – would it take us to the visceral heart of what it means to be a fully alive human being?
Employing the unfiltered and up-close interviewing style that made YOU CAN’T ASK THAT an international sensation, along with dramatic, never-before-seen archival footage, I WAS ACTUALLY THERE uncovers hidden perspectives to create a multi-dimensional, experience-driven picture of the events that shaped the nation.
Spotlighting a range of moments in history from the legendary to the less well known, I WAS ACTUALLY THERE encompasses nation-defining tragedies, impassioned protest movements, sporting and cultural celebrations. A range of characters, decades, beliefs and personalities feature on screen amongst them victims, first responders, bystanders, journalists and many others.
A podcast series is also available.
‘Elegant in its simplicity and brilliantly effective, I WAS ACTUALLY THERE is original and inventive, cleverly constructed and quietly powerful. The concept is so smart and the production so well executed that it makes you wonder why no one has thought of it before, which is always a telling measure of a great idea.
For many of those involved, the event under consideration proved life-changing, as well as subsequently having a wider social impact. Yet what emerges in each episode is that a seemingly ordinary day unexpectedly becomes extraordinary.’
– Sydney Morning Herald
