They're funny, deadly and on a mission to save their Country.
Thalu is the channel’s second foray in live-action children’s television and focuses on a group of Indigenous children as they undertake a journey to combat the threat of a mysterious dust cloud and its inhabitants, 'the Takers'.
The friends must make their way to the ‘Thalu’ — a place of great power — in order to stop the cloud before it destroys everything in its path. Along the way, they encounter friends and foe alike, as they search for eight sacred stones and a special key that will unlock the power of the ‘Thalu’ and stop the Takers in their tracks.
Thalu is an ode to the Pilbara region. Roebourne community stories are woven with Ngarluma culture and the classic heroes’ journey, shot in and around the Western Australian town.
The live-action series is produced by Ngarluma man, Tyson Mowarin and Robyn Marais at Weerianna Street Media in association with Executive Producer, Bernadette O’Mahony from the ACTF.
Thalu 2020 Source: Supplied
Mowarin also directed the program, alongside the formidable talents including Dena Curtis, Amie Batalibasi, and Hunter Page-Lochard, while Executive Producer Mark O’Toole and writers Beck Cole, Samuel Paynter, David Woodhead, Donald Imberlong and Nayuka Gorrie wove the story of Thalu.
For each child in the cast, this marks their television debut. Newcomers Ella Togo, Cherry-Rose Hubert, Jakeile Coffin, Wade Walker, Penny Wally, Logan Adams and Sharliya Mowarin each come from Roebourne and their characters were created with input from each young cast member in order to reflect their personality.
Supporting and inspiring these local children in their first acting roles are industry heavyweights, Elaine Crombie, Derik Lynch, Hunter-Page Lochard, Aaron McGrath, Tricia Morton-Thomas, Gabriel Willie and Trevor Jamieson, who round out an impressive all-Indigenous cast.
Following the success of the award-winning Grace Beside Me and Little J & Big Cuz, NITV Channel Manager Tanya Orman said the channel was committed to making more children’s television and finding new stories to tell.
Thalu 2020 Source: Supplied
“The last few years have been extremely exciting for NITV particularly within our children’s content. From our first live-action program, Grace Beside Me, to our legendary Little J & Big Cuz, it’s a real honour to be bringing so many wonderful characters to kids across Australia.
“Not only is Thalu an action-packed adventure, but it’s also a celebration of the Pilbara region and its culture. It’s not only entertaining, but it’s honestly a stunning piece of television.
“We can’t wait for our audience to come on this new journey with us, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids to have another show in which they see themselves reflected on screen – all while celebrating Indigenous culture and language.”
Thalu premieres Monday, 20 April at 6.30pm on NITV. Catch up is available on SBS On Demand.
