by FilmInk Staff
Eight First Nations practitioners from across the continent will explore best-practice Impact Producing at the 2024 First Nations Impact Lab, hosted by GARUWA and Doc Society in partnership with Shark Island Kangaroo Valley. Gathering on Wodi Wodi Country in October for a 4-day intensive program designed to unlock their impact potential, this year’s cohort includes: Kellie Baxter (Gamilaraay/Wiradjuri), Amethyst Downing (Wandi Wandian), David Cook (Badtjala), Kimberley Marden (Kokatha), Tace Stevens (Noongar and Spinifex), Kerri Lee Clarke (Boon Wurrung, Wemba Wemba), George Coles (Wonnarua/Gringai) and Kimberley Benjamin (Yawuru, Bardi, Kija).
The creatives will learn cultural, relational and storytelling techniques guided by the diverse knowledges and experiences of their facilitators and mentors: Genevieve Grieves (Worimi), Co Founder and Creative Director, GARUWA, Laurrie Mansfield (Bundjalung), Producer, GARUWA, Hollie Fifer, Director of Special Projects, Doc Society and Alex Kelly, founding member of the Unquiet Collective and Director of the Economic Media Centre, Australian Progress.
The Lab expands the participation of First Nations creatives in the screen sector, immersing individuals in a range of case studies and effective strategies for independent documentary film as a tool for cultural, social and environmental transformation in their own communities. Driving significant systemic change, the groundbreaking initiative was first presented in 2023, the First Nations Impact Lab unlocks the impact potential of First Nations campaigners, advocates, activists, filmmakers, storytellers, educators and curators. Last year’s participants included, Thara Brown (Yorta Yorta), Kaitlyn Buaneye (Nyikina), Shari Hutchison (Nyikina), Laniyuk (Larrakia, Kungarakan and Gurindji), Yale MacGillivray (Kalkatungu), Dylan Nicholls (Yuwaalaraay), Stacie Piper (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum Wurrung) and Jai Wright (Jinibara, Mununjali, Wanggerriburra).
This annual program has been made possible by the generous support of our principal partners, Screen Australia First Nations Department, Screen NSW, and Shark Island Kangaroo Valley. Practitioners have been supported by Vic Screen and Screen Queensland.
Genevieve Grieves, Co-founder and Creative Director of GARUWA says, “We’re deeply honoured to present the First Nations Impact Lab in partnership with Doc Society, an organisation that empowers changemakers globally to create work that challenges, shifts, and transforms the way we see the world. It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these skills, resources and knowledge back to our communities here in Australia. Our mob are powerful storytellers, changemakers and truth-tellers, and this second edition of the Lab will offer another cohort the tools to harness screen-based storytelling in a way that not only amplifies our voices but also drives meaningful impact, both on home soil and around the world.”
Hollie Fifer, Director of Special Projects at Doc Society, said: “In its second year, the Lab is hitting its maturity. It’s exciting to gather another cohort of both filmmakers and activists who already have vast experience and a bold impactful project to take to the next level. Over the four days we will be exchanging knowledge, strategies and local and global case studies to understand the best practice of changemaking through storytelling. Most of all, this lab is about the relationships which go on to create a thriving network of changemakers across the country.”
Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW said, “Screen NSW is thrilled to support the First Nations Impact Lab, for a second year. This is a fantastic program that will empower First Nations screen practitioners to move forward with knowledge and best practice techniques to reach their full potential in the screen industry.”
Kate Hodges, Executive Director, Shark Island Foundation, said, “Shark Island Institute is pleased to be able to host this lab for a second year and we are looking forward to another successful workshop and welcoming the next cohort of First Nations Impact producers to Shark Island Kangaroo Valley in October 2024. We are excited to include this workshop in our annual calendar of artistic and creative residencies and to support our friends at Garuwa and Doc Society to elevate First Nations voices, with an emphasis on storytelling excellence and effective social impact.”
To find out more visit the First Nations Impact Lab website or contact impact@garuwa.com
