Queensland filmmakers taking part in this week’s AIDC Indigenous Creators Program

Screen Queensland is proudly supporting five Queensland filmmakers who are part of this week’s Indigenous Creators Program at the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) in Melbourne.

The Queensland Government through Screen Queensland is providing $10,000 in funding support and partnering with Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department in conjunction with the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) along with other state agencies.

“We proudly support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers and talented storytellers attending the AIDC which is Australia’s leading factual screen content conference,” said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira.

“This initiative is part of our commitment to advancing the distinct storytelling voice of Queensland’s First Nation’s people and reflect on our unique culture in diverse screen stories shared through traditional and new platforms.

“The aim of this funding initiative is to develop the crafts and skillsets of our early career Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders filmmakers across documentary, factual television and interactive non-fiction screen content,” said Ms Vieira.

“It is part of our charge to provide opportunities for our state’s Indigenous filmmakers and embrace diversity in our local screen industry.”

The successful Queensland applicants are: Mr Caden Pearson, Ms Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe, Mr Phillip Breslin, Ms Jennifer Mason and Mr EJ Garrett.

The Queensland contingent is being led by Screen Queensland’s VP Content (Indigenous Stories and Talent) Douglas Watkin and Rockhampton filmmaker, Kaylene Butler (Iman/Gungarri), who has just commenced her placement working at Screen Queensland as part of her inaugural MediaRING Fellowship.

Kaylene is working with Queensland’s Indigenous filmmakers as part of her one-year professional placement with six months at Screen Queensland and six months at National Indigenous Television (NITV).

“Our Indigenous filmmakers have found a worldwide audience in recent years through the work of bold and distinctive screen storytelling from such filmmakers as Ivan Sen, and we hope this AIDC initiative will create meaningful career pathways for the next generation,” said Ms Vieira.

As part of the AIDC Indigenous Creators Program, a number of sessions designed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners are providing targeted information and skills around pitching, storytelling, funding, legal and distribution.

–       ENDS –