Team
Robin Newell is an accomplished film producer, director, and writer whose groundbreaking documentaries have traversed the globe, capturing compelling narratives from the heart of Africa to the frozen landscapes of Siberia. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Robin has established himself as a master of visual storytelling, known for his in-depth exploration of humanity, history, and technology. His work blends breathtaking visuals, powerful stories, and meticulous research, leaving an indelible mark on the world of documentary filmmaking.
Robin's latest triumph, Beyond Siberia - Riding The Road of Bones (2 x 1 hour), is a gripping two-part documentary series that showcases the harrowing yet exhilarating journey across some of the world's most extreme terrains. From scorching deserts to sub-zero plains, Robin's lens captures moments of euphoria amidst intense trials, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit against nature's fiercest challenges.
In 2011-12, Robin's World on Wheels (6 x ½ hours) aired on Channel 7 and ABC, taking audiences on a thrilling motorcycle odyssey through 16 countries. Renowned for its stunning cinematography, the series delivers exhilarating footage that brings viewers closer to the action and the culture of the places traversed.
A year earlier, Robin's bold production Dead Men Talking (also known as Interviews Before Execution) earned widespread acclaim. Commissioned by the BBC and PBS, the documentary offers a haunting glimpse into the final moments of prisoners in China, interviewed by journalist Ding Yu. Spending months in Henan Province, Robin's intimate approach captured the rawness and emotion of these human stories, making it a major festival favorite with screenings at IDFA, The International Rome Film Festival, Asiatic Film Festival, and many more.
From 2003 to 2008, Robin ventured into the heart of Africa, producing several award-winning series. His wildlife and technology-focused series Wild Africa Goes Hi-Tech (6 x ½ hours) and Ingenious Africa (26 x ½ hours) were both broadcasted by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). These series solidified Robin's reputation as a pioneering filmmaker, earning him the prestigious United Nations Documentary Film Award.
Robin's mastery of historical narratives is showcased in Spirit of the Railway, an ABC-TV documentary hailed by ex-POW associations as “the best ever made.” This heartfelt story follows Australian prisoners of war forced to labor on the Thai-Burma Railway. He followed this success with The Quiet Lions, a riveting account of the clandestine efforts of Sir Weary Dunlop and Boon Pong to smuggle medicine into the harsh jungle prison camps during World War II.
Exploring the wonders of human ingenuity, Robin directed The Elegant Solution (13 x ½ hours), a comprehensive series on engineering that spanned over 20 countries. It was lauded as the most thorough television series ever made on the subject, earning international acclaim and multiple awards, including an ATOM Award for Outstanding Television Production.
Robin's films have been celebrated at prestigious film festivals and have earned numerous accolades, including:
Robin Newell's career has been defined by his passion for capturing the essence of human resilience, innovation, and history.
His enduring legacy continues to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike with his extraordinary storytelling and dedication to the craft.