Giving the conversation somewhere to go
Why community screenings are part of Shattered.
Shattered documents the experiences of people injured at work and the families beside them. Community screenings offer an opportunity to bring those experiences into a shared conversation about what happens next and how we can build a more caring culture.
A community screening brings people together to watch a film, with time afterwards to discuss what they have seen. A workplace, community group, university, healthcare organisation or faith community might host one.
It is an established approach in documentary filmmaking. Documentary Australia supports community screenings through its DocAccess initiative, while films such as The Social Dilemma provide resources for group screenings and discussions.
Films can bring people together around issues that matter locally. A shared viewing experience gives people a starting point for conversations they might otherwise find difficult to begin.
Why this is important
There is still too much stigma attached to workplace injury, and that must change. People are human beings first, with families, relationships and lives beyond their work.
Injury can affect a person’s livelihood, identity and sense of belonging. Its effects can reach deeply into family life. A screening gives employees, families, employers, colleagues and others an opportunity to better understand these experiences.
These conversations can begin before an injury occurs recognising that preventing such injuries is always the goal. Shattered’s focus is on what happens after an injury: how people are treated, how connection is maintained and how employees and employers can work together to support recovery.
This is an opportunity for workplaces to put their values into practice through care, respectful communication and practical support, including a safe, sustainable return to meaningful work wherever possible.
What does support feel like to the person receiving it? What happens when contact stops? How can someone continue to feel part of their work community?
These are questions worth making time for.
How does hosting work?
Hosts book a screening licence for the agreed episode or episodes. The package includes invitation templates, discussion guides and a facilitator guide.
The host’s licence fee is separate from any admission charge. A host may choose to make attendance free.
Hosts can lead their own discussion using the guides or arrange an optional independent facilitator or speaker. A list of trained facilitators and speakers is provided upon booking. Hosts arrange their involvement directly and agree any additional fees for their time, travel and accommodation where required.
What comes next?
We will also consider organised cinema screenings around Australia as a next step, where there is constructive local interest and support. Any events will depend on suitable partners, venues and arrangements that allow screenings and discussions to proceed respectfully.
Separately, all four episodes of Shattered will be available to stream together in 2027, with viewing details announced closer to release. Individual streaming access is for personal viewing; workplace and educational screenings require a separate screening licence.
Community screenings form part of the film’s wider impact campaign. Our focus is on deepening understanding of life after workplace injury and helping build a more caring culture in which employees, employers and families can work together. Further details are here
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