by FilmInk Staff
For Film’s Sake (FFS) and Sydney Film Festival (SFF) today announced the return of Platform Lab, the flagship creative incubator designed to accelerate screen development process rather than projects. Running from June 9–14 within the 72nd edition of Sydney Film Festival, the lab is now open for applications.
This year’s edition is marked by a significant evolution: award-winning Indian filmmaker Sarvnik Kaur will co-facilitate Platform Lab alongside UK producer Samm Haillay. Kaur, who was a guest expert in the inaugural 2023 lab, won the SFF Sustainable Futures Award and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for her documentary Against the Tide. She is now collaborating with Haillay on her next feature documentary, Disruption — a testament to Platform’s mission of seeding real-world, cross-border creative partnerships.
“Platform isn’t just a lab — it’s a catalyst,” said Sarvnik Kaur. “Often creatives believe that isolation – a quiet space and your laptop – is what is needed to develop your project. But the real Eureka moments come from the unique alchemy of support and serendipity that programs like Platform offer. Festivals are wonderful places for screening films but even better backdrops for meeting your future collaborators, which Platform did even for me. It’s an honour to return to Sydney, not as a guest filmmaker but as a facilitator committed to helping others find their next creative spark.”
2025 marks the third consecutive year of Platform at SFF, an initiative fast becoming a talent elevator for emerging and established writers, producers and directors looking to break new ground and build meaningful collaborations. 2024 saw a record 274 applications from across Australia, with 14 creatives participating in the week-long scheme. This year, up to twelve participants will be selected to take part in the lab, culminating in a public pitch at the SFF Hub on June 14.
Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW said: “Screen NSW first supported Platform in 2024 and I’m thrilled we could come on as a major partner in 2025. Programs like Platform deliver what traditional development often can’t — opportunities for new connections and collaborations, real world market insights, and tangible progression of creative skills.”
Sophie Mathisen, Executive Director of For Film’s Sake and Platform creator, added: “Platform was designed to challenge outdated models of development and to connect creatives across experience levels, formats and borders. Sarvnik’s return — now as a collaborator with Samm — proves the model works not just for emerging but also established talent. We are thrilled to once again partner with SFF and exceedingly grateful to Screen NSW for the support to stage this game-changing program for the third year. Seeing the number of Platform alumni popping up on Development and Enterprise announcements has been particularly gratifying, testament to the skills and appetite that Platform instills. I can’t wait to see who will take the plunge this year and see how they utilise the experience to take their next career steps.”
Applications are open until May 25th. Shortlisted applicants will be notified on May 26, with interviews held that week and final participants announced on June 2. Accommodation, meals, accreditation and access to select Sydney Film Festival events are provided. A travel bursary is also available for participants experiencing financial hardship.
To apply, participants must complete a short questionnaire and submit a two-minute video pitch explaining their collaborative approach and reason for applying.
Platform is created by For Film’s Sake with support from major partner Screen NSW.
ABOUT FOR FILM’S SAKE
For Film’s Sake (FFS) is Australia’s flagship screen skills charity focusing on delivering impactful, innovative programs across content development, packaging and distribution. Founded in 2018, FFS has collaborated with festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival, International Film Festival Rotterdam, and Sydney Film Festival, and delivered Attagirl—the world’s first global feature film development lab for female, trans and non-binary filmmakers—supporting 28 global teams with six receiving cash grants for development and production through partnerships with international screen agencies.
In 2025, the Crisafulli Government appointed FFS as the new delivery partner for the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF). With increased funding and a newly established Brisbane HQ, FFS will lead a bold reinvention of the festival over the next three years, reflecting the city’s cultural momentum ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. BIFF under FFS will spotlight diverse storytelling, elevate local talent, and forge stronger connections with the global screen industry—its new era was launched with a premiere event at the Marché du Film in Cannes 2025.
