Emerging NT filmmakers will now have stronger career pathways and an opportunity to collaborate with local musicians and composers as part of a new partnership between the Territory Labor Government and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to reimagine and improve the SPARK film initiative this year.
SPARK is an annual short film initiative supporting local film production, presented in partnership with Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF).
To support collaboration and recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, each filmmaker will be required to collaborate with a NT composer or musician to produce the accompanying soundtrack to their film.
The Territory Labor Government has increased its investment in SPARK this year, with five NT filmmakers to share $125 000 in funding.
The 2020 SPARK theme is ‘Intergenerational Relationships’, with five films to be selected by ABC and DIFF in collaboration with Screen Territory.
The selected films will be screened at DIFF 2020: Take Two in May 2021 and on ABC platforms, aligning with the launch of the second series of the highly acclaimed program ‘Old Peoples Home for 4 Year Olds’.
Successful recipients will be announced during DIFF 2020: Take One, running from 18-27 September 2020.
For more information visit https://diff.net.au/
Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“The reimagined SPARK film initiative will provide innovative and collaborative opportunities for our Creative Industries sector, which has been among the hardest hit due to COVID-19.
“The Territory Labor Government’s $125 000 investment will establish career pathways and development opportunities for emerging screen practitioners to collaborate with NT musicians and composers, forging ongoing creative collaborations.
“In 2020, the new partnership with ABC will provide important development opportunities and showcase the unique talents of the NT Creative Industries sector with national audiences.”
Quote from Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Commissioning Editor, Julie Hanna:
“The ABC is excited to be collaborating with Screen Territory on this important initiative. Intergenerational relationships play a vital role in Australian culture and we’re delighted to explore this theme by supporting emerging Northern Territory film makers.”
Quotes from Darwin International Film Festival Manager, Blandine Ruffo:
“DIFF, and its parent organisation the Darwin Film Society, are beyond thrilled to welcome the ABC as our first broadcasting partner for the Spark Initiative. For the many talented creatives who call the Territory “home” this represents a powerful opportunity to further reach out to national audiences.
“We see this prodigious new collaboration, facilitated by our long-time partner Screen Territory, as a testament of how strong an impression the NT filmmaking community is making beyond our own borders. Our screen story-tellers are conquering the hearts of national audiences and it’s safe to say that they are just getting started.”
Media Contact: Lisa Sennett 0436 929 858