Airdate: Who the Bloody Hell Are We?

Three-part documentary Who the Bloody Hell Are We? explores untold chapters of Australia’s multicultural history.

John Safran, Cal Wilson, and Adam Liaw explore how people of Jewish, Kiwi, and Chinese descent fit into our national narrative. Described as an “irreverent romp through the margins and back alleys of Australian history” it puts stories that have been overlooked, ignored, or forgotten back into the spotlight.

Bernadine Lim, SBS Commissioning Editor for Documentaries, said: “Who The Bloody Hell Are We? is another breakthrough documentary series from SBS, taking us on a fascinating journey of rich discovery through parts of Australian story that, until now, have been shrouded in secrecy. And who better to explore the hidden parts of our history than John Safran, Cal Wilson, and Adam Liaw? With their signature humour, insight, and wit, watch as they unveil astounding and captivating stories that you’ll have to see to believe.”

Chemical Media Executive Producer Tony Jackson said: “As Cal Wilson so eloquently says in the Kiwi episode of Who The Bloody Hell Are We?, history has largely been written by white dudes. So going back through the modern Australian story and looking at it again through the eyes of other migrant groups effectively revealed a whole new Australian story. All three Australian directors on this series (of Jewish, Māori and Chinese descent respectively) took the helm of a long-form documentary for the first time. And judging by the results, I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

Screen Australia Head of Documentary Alex West said: “We’re extremely proud to support this distinctly Australian series from Chemical Media, who have a proven track record for crafting innovative and highly engaging documentaries. Who the Bloody Hell Are We? promises to entertain and inspire audiences, in the often conflicted arena of Australia’s cultural identity. I can’t wait to see the eye-opening stories this new series on SBS uncovers.”

Was the Jewish homeland of Israel really almost established in the Top End? Did a pragmatic Kiwi engineer inadvertently give birth to multicultural Australia? And should we thank a humble Chinese tradie for founding one of our big four banks?

Determined to fill in the blank pages in the Australian story by unearthing tales of unsung heroes and forgotten acts of derring-do, John, Cal, and Adam track down first-hand witnesses, expert raconteurs and the descendants of historical figures who shaped our national story in profound or surprising ways – from the Jewish single mother who was transported to Australia as a convict and effectively became the colony’s First Lady, to the touring Māori athletes who saved Australian rugby league from bankruptcy, to the celebrated Chinese Australian Gallipoli sniper who learnt his trade as an Outback roo-shooter in Queensland.

As they unearth one remarkable yarn after another, John, Cal, and Adam reveal the story of modern Australian to be so much more fascinating, diverse, and twisty than the history books depict. John Safran said: “This series not only covers history but makes it. For the first time on Australian soil, a holy Jewish mud creature known as a golem is created, using that very soil, and brought to life through Kabbalah prayer. All captured on film!”

Humorous, unexpected, and thought-provoking, Who The Bloody Hell Are We? unearths the deep multicultural roots of modern Australia and helps us to discover a fuller picture of ourselves. Shamelessly entertaining, it’s Australian history – but not as we know it.

Who the Bloody Hell Are We? is a Chemical Media production for SBS. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with SBS. Financed with support from VicScreen.

Who The Bloody Hell Are We? will be subtitled on SBS On Demand in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. All episodes will be available with audio description.

Weekly from Wednesday 19 Wednesday 19 July at 7:30pm on SBS. All three episodes on SBS On Demand.