UK streamer ITVX inks first int’l acquisition for Australian drama ‘Bali 2002’

Bali 2002

UK broadcaster ITV has acquired Bali 2002, a four-part exploring the lives directly impacted by the terrorist attacks on the Indonesian island 20 years ago.

The drama, which will air on new streaming service ITVX next year, was co-produced by Banijay labels Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime for Stan and 9Network in Australia.

The ITV acquisition marks the first international sale for the drama series, which is distributed by Banijay Rights and stars Rachel Griffiths (Total Control), Richard Roxburgh (Rake) and Claudia Jesse (Bridgerton). It recounts the events of 12 October, 2002 – when the island was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs.

Local Balinese and Australian and British tourists scrambled to rescue the injured, whilst the Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilised to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place. Amidst this chaos, heroes arose from the most unlikely places and cultures united in the search for healing and meaning.

Bali 2002 was written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and Michael Toisuta. Kerrie Mainwaring produces for Screentime, Tim Pye executive produces alongside Sara Richardson for Endemol Shine Australia, Michael Healy and Andy Ryan for the 9Network and Amanda Duthie and Cailah Scobie for Stan. Peter Andrikidis and Katrina Irawati Graham direct the series.

Sasha Breslau, ITV’s head of content acquisitions, said: “It’s a privilege to bring these personal stories of the brave people of Bali to UK viewers, and we look forward to premiering the series on ITVX in 2023.”