INDEPENDENT FILMS & DOCUMENTARIES WITH STORIES TO TELL.

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Independent films and documentaries with stories to tell.

Freshwater Pictures is the screen arm of Freshwater, representing an independent catalogue of feature films and theatrical documentaries developed and produced over many years.

The catalogue reflects a commitment to distinctive stories, compelling characters and films that have the potential to connect with audiences — in cinemas, through broadcast and streaming, and wherever good documentary and independent cinema finds its audience.

Explore the films, discover the stories behind them and find out where they can be watched, purchased or streamed.

Freshwater Pictures also provides a home for selected projects and films available for distribution, licensing or further opportunities.

Explore Our Current Lineup

The Australian production company Freshwater Pictures led by Trish Lake, has produced or collaborated on an extensive catalogue of celebrated narrative feature films, impactful documentaries, and shorts over more than two decades.

A comprehensive list of projects produced or executive-produced by Freshwater Pictures includes:

Narrative Feature Films

  • Gettin' Square (2003)

    A highly acclaimed Australian crime-comedy set on the Gold Coast, starring Sam Worthington and David Wenham.

  • Subdivision (2009)

    A comedy-drama directed by Sue Brooks that explores coastal development and family dynamics in Queensland.

  • Early Winter (2015)

    A drama directed by Michael Rowe that won the prestigious Venice Days Award at the Venice Film Festival.

  • Spit (2025)

    A newly released follow-up or spiritual successor to Gettin' Square, focusing on life on the Gold Coast.

Feature-Length & TV Documentaries 

  • Alick and Albert (2021)

    A documentary chronicling the artistic connection and social justice friendship between acclaimed Torres Strait artist Alick Tipoti and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

  • Flyways: The Untold Journey of Migratory Shorebirds (2023)

    A feature documentary directed by Randall Wood and narrated by Mia Wasikowska that follows the epic, perilous global migrations of shorebirds.

  • The Burning Season (2008)

    An internationally recognized, multi-award-winning eco-documentary about carbon trading and deforestation in Indonesia, directed by Cathy Henkel which premiered in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival.

  • My America (2011)

    A documentary directed by Peter Hegedus exploring a shifting American landscape, officially selected for the Sydney Film Festival.

  • Show Me the Magic (2012)

    A documentary directed by Cathy Henkel looking at the life and work of legendary Australian cinematographer Don McAlpine.

  • Frackman (2015)

    A highly publicised activist documentary charting an ordinary farmer's battle against coal seam gas exploration in Australia directed by Richard Todd, telling the story of activist, Dayne Pratzky.

  • The Eulogy (2018)

    An investigation into the life, genius, and tragic downfall of brilliant Australian concert pianist Geoffrey Tozer directed by Janine Hosking

  • Wik vs Queensland (2018)

    A historic, deeply impactful documentary charting the High Court's landmark 1996 Wik decision regarding native title rights directed by Dean Gibson.

  • Love Opera (2020)

    A behind-the-scenes look at the raw passion, dedication, and immense pressure inside the Brisbane-based Lisa Gasteen National Opera School directed by Liselle Mei.

  • Meet the Wallers (2021)

    A longitudinal documentary filmed over 20 years tracking the ups and downs of a British landscape artist and his family.

  • Skin (2012)

    A drama short written and directed by Liselle Mei, produced by Trish Lake and Dan Lake, starring Airlie Dodds and Daniel Webber.

  • Welcome to Country (2016)

    A multi-award-winning short film produced by Helen Morrison. Trish Lake served as a mentor on the project, which won Best Indigenous Film at multiple festivals.

  • Azzaro

    A sweeping romantic short film set against stunning backdrops, capturing the bittersweet complexities of love, timing, and emotional awakening. Written, produced, and starring Olivia Simone; co-produced by Mark Overett; directed by Jeneffa Soldatic. Trish was an EP on the project.