Things are not what they seem in a new four-part crime drama True Colours.
What starts with the investigation of a car accident soon turns into an epic hunt for a killer. It’s a murder mystery like no other exploring culture, community, family and one woman’s pursuit to find her place within it.
Set in the fictional community of Perda Theendar against the backdrop of the Northern Territory’s Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and Yeperenye (East MacDonnell Ranges), the series in English and Arrernte, is a ground-breaking insight into the Arrernte peoples’ connection to art and cultural practices.
Detective Toni Alma, played by Rarriwuy Hick (Redfern Now, Cleverman, Wentworth), is assigned to investigate a suspicious car accident in Perda Theendar, the Aboriginal community she left as a child and has had little to do with over the years. The beauty of Aboriginal art and the sometimes-devious practices in the global art market lead Detective Alma on a hunt for a killer in her hometown.
Hick spearheads a stellar cast including Luke Arnold (Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS, Black Sails), acclaimed singer-songwriter Warren H. Williams, and Miranda Otto (The Unusual Suspects, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, The Lord of the Rings).
Rarriwuy Hick and Luke Arnold star in a gripping murder mystery set in remote Australia. Source: NITV/SBS
Rarriwuy Hick said she is "beyond proud" to be involved in such a ground-breaking drama series.
"(True Colours) takes viewers deep into the world of a First Nations community as it has never been seen before, also showcasing Arrernte language which is extraordinary to hear and perform," Hick said.
I can’t wait for everyone to see this amazing series. — Rarriwuy Hick.
"It’s always a pleasure to bring a character to life on screen, but there’s something special about playing Toni Alma. As a woman who is trying to work out who she is and what she wants, she is as equally drawn to her family and culture as she is confronted by it. I can’t wait for everyone to see this amazing series.”
The creative team behind this bold story are co-creators Erica Glynn (Redfern Now, Black Comedy, She Who Must Be Loved) and Warren H. Williams (who also stars in the series as Detective Alma’s uncle, Samuel), with writers Erica Glynn, Steven McGregor (Sweet Country, Mystery Road), and Danielle MacLean (Little J & Big Cuz, Mystery Road).
Aboriginal art and the sometimes-devious practices in the global art market ignite a hunt for a killer in a small community. Source: SBS/NITV
Sabella Kgnwarraye Ross Turner, Miranda Otto and Warren H. Williams make up the dynamic cast of True Colours. Source: NITV/SBS
The series is produced by Penny Smallacombe, and Bunya Productions’ David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin, the award-winning team behind Sweet Country, Mystery Road, and Goldstone.
The ensemble cast includes Errol Shand, Emilie de Ravin, Trisha Morton Thomas and Ben Oxenbould, and is rounded out by exceptional local talent, many of whom count the series as their first acting role: Sabella Kngwarraye Ross Turner, Kurt Abbott, Kumalie Kngwarraye, Natalie Pepperill, Warren ‘Wazza’ Williams, Grant Wallace, Janaya Kopp, Siobhan Breaden, Genise Williams, Martin McMillan, Keenan Mitchell, Stella McMillan, Rosario Young, and Waylon Dixon.
SBS Head of Scripted Julie Eckersley and NITV Head of Commissioning and Programming Kyas Hepworth agree SBS and NITV are a great team.
"We believe in the unique power of fiction to transport audiences into fascinating and often underexplored worlds not otherwise seen on Australian TV," the pair said.
"True Colours is NITV’s first foray into long-form drama and continues our commitment to telling diverse stories with a distinctive voice. This is not only a remarkable drama, but also a significant moment in television history.”
The series will be subtitled in Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean and will be added to the subtitled collection on SBS On Demand.
Luke Arnold plays Nick Gawler (skin name: Purrellar), not only is he Toni's policing partner, but also her ex-boyfriend. Source: SBS/NITV
Playing Fantasia, Siobhan Breaden is one of the many exceptional local talent from the Central Desert area. Source: SBS/NITV
True Colours leads SBS and NITV’s impressive NAIDOC slate for 2022, including two specials of Living Black that take a closer look at the making of the series, including a forum where Grant is joined by the cast and creators to explore how culture and community shaped this unique program.
True Colours premieres Monday 4 July at 8.30pm on SBS and NITV.
As the National NAIDOC Principal Media Partner and official Education Partner, National NAIDOC Week will be celebrated across all SBS channels and platforms, including an exclusive NAIDOC collection of series and films available to stream on SBS On Demand and NAIDOC education resources via .
