It Starts With Us follows a group of teenagers living on the frontlines of Australia’s family violence epidemic, as they come together in a prevention program aimed at stopping violence before it starts. Over the course of a 1 month songwriting process, the teenagers find ways to turn the stories of their lives into powerful lyrics that give voice to their often invisible experiences. Together they grapple with how to break generational cycles of violence and practice respect, equality, independence and leadership. When they perform their song at their school awards night they surprise their families and even themselves with what they’ve been able to achieve. 

The film airs on ABC TV, Aug 17th at 6:30pm, and will be available on ABC iView.

Produced by BigHart

Written & Directed by Amelia Tovey

Produced by Sophia Marinos

Cinematography by Petra Leslie, with additional cinematography by Nisa East and Bonita Carzino.

Edited by Sally Biasiutti