By Travis Johnson
Film programming manager and independent cinema consultant Sasha Close is the recipient of this year’s Natalie Miller Fellowship Grant, worth $20,000. The grant was established in 2011 to nurture female film talent by rewarding a female practitioner who has demonstrated initiative, entrepreneurship and excellence.
Close, who programs for Wallis cinemas and consults for 20 independent exhibitors, said “The Natalie Miller Fellowship is an inspiration for women in all sectors of the screen industry and has encouraged me to dream big! It is a tremendous honour to be the 2016 recipient; the Fellowship will assist me immensely by providing a unique opportunity to broaden my skills and experience with an overseas secondment and mentorship.”
Fellowship President Sue Maslin remarked “We are thrilled with the judges’ selection of this year’s recipient of the Natalie Miller Fellowship. Sasha Close is one of the few female executives in cinema and film programming in Australia. It is critical that more women have a seat at the table deciding what Australian audiences get to see on their screens and the Fellowship will enable Sasha to reach her potential as a leader in the exhibition sector.”
