By Travis Johnson
Speaking at the AFI/AACTA AGM last night, CEO Damian Trewhella said that going forward the industry body would continue to develop its year-round Screen Culture and Industry Development Member Events Program as part of its five year strategy.
Since 2014, the program has hosted more than 160 events, attracting some 11,000 members and general public to its screenings, master classes and lectures.
The coming year will see a number of high profile events under the program’s umbrella, including Directing the Dressmaker next month, which sees The Dressmaker director Jocelyn Moorhouse being joined by Gillian Armstrong and Margaret Pomeranz as part of Vivid Sydney.
Also on the calendar is a screening of Goldstone, followed by a Q&A with writer and director Ivan Sen, and a masterclass with legendary cinematographer John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road, The English Patient).
Said Trewhella, “The calibre of performers and practitioners participating in our film and television screenings, Q&As and masterclasses over the past two years has been phenomenal, including seasoned professionals such as Andrew Knight, Jeremy Sims, Jan Chapman, Tony Ayres, Joel Edgerton, Richard Roxburgh, Deborah Mailman and Penny Chapman, many of whom share their invaluable insights from working across multiple crafts.
“We’re also delighted to showcase the work of rising talent at our events, from filmmakers such as Ariel Kleiman and Megan Riakos, through to the emerging talent behind ABC TV’s Cleverman, including concept creator and producer Ryan Griffen and performer Tysan Towney.
“Our member events are providing a platform for the public and the industry to come together to watch, discuss and share insights into great Australian productions and the creative process, and we’re pleased to have expanded our program to include television premieres on the big screen, including our upcoming screening of Foxtel’s Secret City.
“We thank all practitioners, performers, distributors and networks who have participated for their overwhelming support, along with Event Cinemas Bondi Junction and Cinema Nova, and of course our dedicated members. We hope to grow our Member Events Program to other capital cities in the next two to three years.”
For more information, go to the ACCTA official site.
