'It breaks stereotypes': Fil-Aus actor Bernie Van Tiel proud to be part of new SBS drama Swift Street

From the outset, as a musician and actor, Bernie Van Tiel considers it an honour to be given a significant break in her chosen career and, plans to use this opportunity to open doors and speak up for those marginalised in society. Swift Street will premiere on 24 April 2024 on SBS and SBS on Demand.

[Bottom-left] Filipino multi-talented artist Bernie Van Tiel will star in the film 'Swift Street,' alongside rising star Tanzyn Crawford, acclaimed actor Cliff Curtis, and many others. The film will be released on SBS and SBS on Demand on April 24, 2024.

Key Points

• All eight 30-minute episodes of 'Swift Street' will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand starting 24 April 2024 with double episodes airing every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. on SBS.
• In 2017, Bernie won the Best Female Performance at the International Academy of Web Television Awards for the supernatural web series 'Jade of Death'. Additionally, she has starred in numerous films released on ABC and SBS.
• The mother of the Sydney-based actor is from Pampanga, and all her work is dedicated to her family and advocacy to be a voice for the oppressed and marginalised.

Bernie Van Tiel's mother hails from Pampanga, and at a young age, her family migrated to Australia. She openly admits that her first love is music.

Now that she has been given a significant break as an actor in this country, she wants to use the opportunity to provide opportunities for individuals like herself from diverse communities.

Filipino multi-talented artist Bernie Van Tiel will star in the film 'Swift Street,' alongside rising star Tanzyn Crawford, acclaimed actor Cliff Curtis, and many others. The film will be released on SBS and SBS on Demand on April 24, 2024. Credit: SBS

She is delighted to share that all her breakthroughs in film and music careers are the realisation of her dreams.

She has also faced many challenges, especially in choosing her career path.

"I prefer my happiness, now that I'm in the position where I am fortunate enough to feel secure in my job, which is in the creative industry and I'm very thankful for that."

Filipino multi-talented artist Bernie Van Tiel will star in the film 'Swift Street,' alongside rising star Tanzyn Crawford, acclaimed actor Cliff Curtis, and many others. The film will be released on SBS and SBS on Demand on April 24, 2024. Credit: SBS

Bernie also draws inspiration from Indigenous Filipinos and Indigenous Australians, whom she believes experience unfair treatment from the community.

She also aims to be a voice for people with similar experiences, such as migrants and LGBTQI+ members.

And now, starring in a crime drama titled Swift Street that will premiere on 24 April 2024 SBS on Demand, the film, she says, reflects the lives of people from diverse communities.

I play the role of Aisha, the series is full of adventure, many twists and turns, and very touching. The thing I love about 'Swift Street' it humanises us and breaks stereotypes and barriers.

The Swift Street series will also be screened at Cannes, France, where the actors in the film will also attend.

Bernie also dedicates her successes to her family, especially to her mum, whom she considers her number one fan.

"The family will celebrate it...it is such a Filipino thing to do and be like, you know that actor? they're Filipino [laugh]! I'm proud to say my mum is the most supportive through actions like she'll cook for you and say be home for a little bit."

Bernie Van Tiel draws inspiration for her plays from Indigenous Filipinos and Indigenous Australians, whom she believes experience unfair treatment in society. Credit: SBS

Bernie admits that portraying a character in Swift Street was a big challenge however, she is thankful for playing an important role that can help others, especially those experiencing discrimination or racism.

"The responsibility that I choose is to open the door for the people behind me, open the door for the next generation, or the next group of people who've been trying to get through this door for a long time.

"And I want to do that by any means necessary and do that in a way that doesn't ruin it for them. I want to give them a very handsome seat at the table and a big boodle fight to eat from, so sit down and eat [laugh]."