Key project dates:
October – December 2025: Script Development and Production
January 2026: Post Production
February – April 2026: Post Production and Delivery
Applications close: Monday 22 September, 9am
Screen Queensland, in partnership with Screenworks, ABC and Torres Strait Islanders Media Association (TSIMA), is looking for three Torres Strait Islander teams to create 3–5-minute factual microfilms which share distinct, rich and real stories from the region.
The selected teams will receive $5,000 in support and mentoring from Supervising Producer Shontell Ketchell and Producer Ben Southwell through the process from script approval to production and final edit picture lock, alongside editorial assistance from ABC.
We are looking for unique and untold stories that showcase the region in a stylistically compelling way from First Nations teams with some prior experience.
Authentic ZK (Zenadth Kes is the traditional name for the Torres Strait Islands) is an important talent development initiative and will provide a platform for emerging Torres Strait Islander screen creatives.
Learn more about Authentic ZK here.
Authentic ZK is delivered by Screenworks as part of our North Queensland Regional Program.
ONLINE INFORMATION SESSION
Screenworks will be hosting an introductory webinar on Friday 29 August at 2pm. We encourage all prospective applicants to join us in the webinar, where we will explain the initiative in detail and answer any questions about applying. Register your attendance here.
GUIDELINES
WHO CAN APPLY?
Applicants must:
- identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- be a Torres Strait Island-resident for at least six months immediately prior to applying
- be available to produce their submitted microfilm concept according to the above key dates (subject to change).
Eligible projects must:
- feature factual content, stories and/or characters from the Torres Strait region
- be between 3 and 5 minutes in length
- comply with the ABC Act
- have a predominantly First Nations team attached
- not be intended primarily for advertising or marketing purposes.
Screen Queensland is committed to ensuring diverse representation across all aspects of the production and development process, including differences in gender, age, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity, cultural and linguistic diversity, disability, sexuality (LGBTQI+) and socio-economic status.
WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?
Applicants must provide:
- a story plan that details the episode outline, the subject, script, characters and creative treatment (5 pages max)
- a pitch video of up to two minutes in length describing:
- the characters
- a brief story summary
- confirmation of access to factual content and characters
- the team and their relevant filmmaking experience
- what is unique or innovative about your project
- current CVs for each member of the team (including links to previous works)
- a budget outline detailing how the $5,000 would be spent.
WHAT IS SCREEN QUEENSLAND LOOKING FOR?
Screenworks will manage the online application process and check initial applications for eligibility. All applications will be assessed by a panel including representatives from Screen Queensland, Screenworks, Torres Strait Islander Media Association (TSIMA) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). They will assess according to the below criteria:
- the strength and distinctiveness of the subject and their story
- the quality of materials submitted
- the skills, achievements, experience and track record of the applicant(s) and the quality of their previous work if available
- the potential of the project to contribute to a robust screen industry in North Queensland.
MORE INFORMATION
Rachel Smith
Project Coordinator, Screenworks
rachel@screenworks.com.au
