SBS's compelling police drama East West 101 won the Australian Film Institute Award for Best Telefeature, Mini-Series or Short-run Series over the weekend.
A hit with critics and audiences alike, this continues East West's strong awards run. The series follows a group of detectives from diverse ethnic backgrounds and portrays their struggle to enforce law and order and their struggles against each other.
Set in Western Sydney, East West 101 (Steve Knapman and Kris Wyld) is based on an authentic group of detectives and has been lauded for its realistic portrayal of the diversity of the Australian community.
Produced by Knapman Wyld Television, a second series of the multicultural drama is currently in production.
SBS-backed documentary Not Quite Hollywood (Craig Griffin and Michael Lynch) also won the AFI Award for Best Direction and A Northern Town (Andrew Commis and Rachel Landers) won the Award for Best Cinematography in a Documentary.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in these outstanding productions," SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown said.
"SBS has long been recognised for its association with award winning content and while it is not the only measure of success, it is due recognition of the talented production teams involved.
"I am particularly pleased that SBS is able to commission second series of some of our popular and critically acclaimed Australian dramas such as East West 101.
"Making second series of acclaimed dramas is new territory for SBS. It is pleasing that we have both a fantastic product and the means to invest in original Australian content.
"We are passionate about producing content that reflects the true, multicultural Australia as well as supporting the Australian independent production sector."
