The Minderoo Foundation in Dalkeith, Western Australia, has announced the launch of a social impact film production enterprise aimed at supporting projects that tackle global challenges and inspire change.

Established with an initial commitment of $10 million, Minderoo Pictures will work with creative teams around the globe to develop, produce, and assist in the release of ambitious films. The first four projects in development will span themes of ocean conservation, plastics and human health, and early childhood development in Indigenous communities: a feature film collaboration between award-winning documentary filmmakers Louie Psihoyos and Josh Murphy; Blueback, helmed by Robert Connolly; Honey Ant Dreamers, directed by Michael Cordell and Emily-Anyupa Butcher; and First Born, produced by Workshop TV. In addition, Minderoo Pictures is working to produce high-profile, cross-platform impact campaigns aimed at a broad array of audiences, including policy makers, schools, and the private sector.

"Film is a powerful force for creating social change," said Psihoyos. "We are excited to partner with Minderoo Pictures to create films that can change the world."

"Lasting change doesn't just happen by itself," said Minderoo Foundation chair and Fortescue Metals Group CEO Andrew Forrest, who signed the Giving Pledge in 2013. "To have real impact we must motivate people, companies, and governments to act, to reassess their behaviors, or start a movement. This is what we hope to achieve through Minderoo Pictures."