The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has launched a new short film initiative for First Nations filmmakers while welcoming producer Pauline Clague to its ranks.
Phase one applications are now open for the First Nations Short Film Writers Program, in which screenwriters will work with an experienced screenplay consultant through workshops and mentorship over a six-month period to develop their short film concepts into refined final drafts.
Participants will also receive assistance in developing a budget and production schedule.
The projects developed will then be eligible for production funding under the First Nations Short Film Production Program.
Scheduled to open later this year, phase two of the initiative will involve teams of writers, directors and producers from First Nations across South Australia who will put their shorts into production under the supervision of an executive producer. experimented.
The film skills development program coincides with Clague’s appointment as the SAFC’s First Nations film strategy manager, succeeding Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin, who took over the role last August after more than six years.
The Yaegl woman from North Coast NSW has worked as a storyteller and producer in film and television for 25 years and has been a driving force in the creation and sustainability of First Nations voices on Australian screen and television.
She said it was exciting to continue Buckskin’s work.
“I look forward to working with the SAFC team to increase support and engagement for South Australian First Nations filmmakers,” she said.
SAFC CEO Kate Croser said Clague’s appointment was a coup for the organization.
“The SAFC is thrilled to welcome Pauline Clague to its team, a pioneering First Nations filmmaker and cinema director who brings with her over 25 years of industry experience, extensive networks and cultural knowledge,” said she declared.
“We look forward to working with her to strengthen SAFC’s support for South Australian First Nations practitioners and their stories on screen.
“We are also delighted to launch the first phase of the new SAFC First Nations Shorts initiative, created to develop the skills and experience of South Australian First Nations screenwriters and filmmakers.”
Nara Wilson, SAFC’s First Nations Industry Development Manager, was thrilled to be able to launch the First Nations-specific shorts initiative, the first of its kind since 2017.
“I look forward to working with SAFC’s new First Nations Screens Strategy Lead, Pauline Clague, to implement this and other innovative programs to grow and support the screens sector of the SAFC. South Australian First Nations,” she said.
Applications for the First Nations Short Film Writers Program are open until February 28. For more information, click here.