The ABC has commissioned a new five-part arts/history series, produced by Mint Pictures.
Presented by Rachel Griffiths, When The War Is Over (working title) follows the acclaimed actor and art-lover as she puts the power of art to the ultimate test: one artwork, and one war, at a time.
From iconic songs to blockbuster movies, confronting paintings to ancient rock art, Rachel explores how art has helped shape and change our attitude to our wars…and helped us heal from the wounds of war.
Each of the five episodes follows Rachel as she tracks down a stellar cast of artists, directors, painters and singer/songwriters to uncover the story behind their artworks.
A descendant of WWI veterans at Gallipoli, Rachel will meet those who have served on the frontline, and in addition to artists she’ll engage experts, curators, activists and politicians who all give vital context to Australia’s wars. Together, their stories create a richly layered series about the real-world impact of art on all of us, individually and collectively as a nation.
The series is the third time Mint Pictures has collaborated with Rachel Griffiths following Finding the Archibald (3×60, 2021) and Great Southern Landscapes (6×30, 2022).
Revealed at the ABC’s Upfronts and scheduled to air in 2025, the series was commissioned by ABC Head of Arts, Music & Events Kath Earle and Head of Factual Susie Jones. Executive Producers are Rachel Griffiths, Dan Goldberg and Craig Graham. ABC Executive Producer is Rachel Robinson. It was developed by ABC in association with Screen NSW.
