Screen Queensland, Screenworks and ABC have opened applications for Authentic NQ, an initiative supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers from North and Far North Queensland.
Authentic NQ will provide $4,000 in funding to support three filmmaking teams to tell local stories as 3-5 minute microfilms. Participants will also receive mentorship from ABC to refine shooting scripts, production planning, preliminary cuts and final edits, with the goal of delivering a high-quality microfilm for streaming on ABC platforms.
Screen Queensland Interim CEO Dr Belinda Burns said: “North and Far North Queensland has local talent and history unlike anywhere else in the world. As Queensland moves along its path to the treaty, it has never been more important for our First Nations professionals to have access to the film industry.
“This initiative is investing in First Nations filmmakers by boosting their professional skills and connecting them with industry experts,” said Dr. burns.
ABC Regional, Rural and Emergency Manager Hugh Martin said: “Three authentic Queensland stories have been captured by local filmmakers in 2021 – a woman’s rise to national champion, a story of life on the island and turtle rehabilitation and a musician’s struggles with abuse and purpose.
“These local stories are what the ABC is about, and this partnership with Screen Queensland and Screenworks connects local content producers and filmmakers to tell authentic stories about Northern Australia’s most exciting communities.”
Screenworks Chief Executive Lisa O’Meara added: “By continuing to provide these opportunities, we are supporting the growth of the skills and capabilities of screen professionals in North and Far North Queensland. Enabling local filmmakers to tell local stories increases the capacity of the region and should lead to more productions being made in the region.
“Screenworks is delighted to partner with Screen Queensland and ABC to continue to deliver these invaluable opportunities and ongoing support for the film industry in North and Far North Queensland.”
Authentic NQ will support more productions to be made in North and Far North Queensland, a region where there is no shortage of local filmmaking stories and talent. Running for the second time, this initiative is part of Screen Queensland’s commitment to growing a stronger regional film industry, which is a key focus of the agency’s North Queensland regional programme.
Authentic NQ officially opens during NAIDOC week. In 2021, First Nations-focused films by Authentic’s inaugural attendees, Janne Rytkönen (The Good Fight), Shontell Leah Ketchell (Naytive), and Robert Crispe (Yunbenun Charm) aired on ABC as part of the NAIDOC week celebrations. They highlighted Cairns boxing champion Leah Reuben, Cairns musical artist Naomi ‘Nay’ Wenitong and Uncle Brian Johnson, traditional owner of Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) and tour guide Craig Crichton.
This initiative is part of Screen Queensland’s North Queensland regional programme, provided by Screenworks in association with ABC. First opening in October 2020, Authentic NQ is a fully funded opportunity for filmmaking teams to produce microfilms for streaming on ABC platforms.
Entries close on Wednesday 26 July.
