Thrilling new four-part drama, Bali 2002, has been acquired by ITV in the UK and will stream on the new ITVX service next year.

This is the first sale for the original drama series that was a co-commission between Australia’s 9Network and streaming service Stan, the series recounts the tragic events of October 12, 2002 – when Bali was shattered by a terrorist attack on two of Kuta Beach’s busiest nightclubs.

Local Balinese, Australian and British tourists scrambled to rescue the injured, whilst Australian and Indonesian authorities mobilised to evacuate survivors, identify victims and investigate what really took place. Amidst this chaos, heroes arose from the most unlikely places and cultures united in the search for healing and meaning.

Bali 2002 is co-produced by Banijay labels Endemol Shine Australia and Screentime for Stan and 9Network in Australia and is led by a stunning cast including Rachel Griffiths, Richard Roxburgh and Claudia Jesse.

Bali 2002 was written by Justin Monjo (Storm Boy), Kris Wyld (Pulse), Marcia Gardner (Wentworth) and emerging screenwriter Michael Toisuta – with Balinese writer, actor and musician Ketut Yuliarsa (Janggan) on board as story editor.

Produced by Kerrie Mainwaring for Screentime, Tim Pye executive produces Bali 2002 alongside Sara Richardson for Endemol Shine Australia, Michael Healy and Andy Ryan for the 9Network and Amanda Duthie and Cailah Scobie for Stan. Peter Andrikidis and Katrina Irawati Graham direct the series.

“Screen NSW is proud to have partnered with Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia on Bali 2002. It is thrilling that audiences in the UK will also have a chance to see this landmark drama series that showcases the talent of the NSW screen industry, and has been supported under the Made In NSW Fund.”

Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW

“It was truly special for the Cutting Edge team to partner with Screentime and Endemol Shine Australia to provide turn-key, on-set, post & visual effects services for the telling of Bali 2002. It tells an important Australian story in a way that portrays the true Australian spirit and heroic actions winning against adversity in this landmark television series.”

Marcus Bolton, Cutting Edge’s Head of Features & Television

Chris Stewart, SVP Sales UK & Eire, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the deal with ITV, said: “It was exactly 20 years ago last week when these devastating terrorist attacks rocked the paradise island of Bali – the impact of which is still being felt by victims, survivors and their families today. Bali 2002 is a tribute to them – sensitively capturing those inspirational stories to emerge out of the darkest of days. It’s an honour to be able to take this landmark series to a wider audience through this deal with ITV and ITVX.”

Sasha Breslau, ITV’s Head of Content Acquisitions, said: “It’s a privilege to bring these personal stories of the brave people of Bali to UK viewers, and we look forward to premiering the series on ITVX in 2023.”

Peter Newman, CEO, Endemol Shine Australia, added: “Twenty years on from an event that shocked the world, Bali 2002 is a story of resilience and heroism born from the darkest tragedy. This is a gripping four-part series that is evocative, sensitive and reflective of the stories that have been told directly from those impacted by this event.”

The series received major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Banijay Rights is responsible for international distribution.