Screenwest and Lotterywest announce the 2026 Lotterywest Elevate Initiative

by FIlmInk Staff

Screenwest and Lotterywest have announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Lotterywest Elevate Initiative.

Designed to support early-to-mid career creatives to create a high-quality scripted short film, animation or online series, the initiative aims to uncover distinctive Western Australian voices and projects.

The initiative invests in the professional development of some of WA’s most talented rising creatives, supporting career progression through the development and production of a project that can propel them into the next phase of their career.

In 2026, the Lotterywest Elevate Initiative will fund up to eight projects from one of two funding streams:

Elevate 30 – up to $30,000 per project, for projects up to 7-minutes long.
Elevate 70 – up to $70,000 for projects up to 10-minutes long.

An additional $2,000 is available to recipients to contribute towards the costs of marketing the completed project and submitting it to festivals.

The Lotterywest Elevate Initiative is overseen by an executive producer, appointed by Screenwest, who manages the production and delivery of the successful projects.

Last year, the initiative supported five Western Australian filmmaking teams whose distinctive and compelling projects are in their final stages of completion.

Since its inception, Elevate has supported the careers of some of Western Australia’s most exciting new voices, including WA directors David Vincent Smith, Zoe Pepper and Miley Tunnecliffe all produced Elevate projects before going on to produce their debut feature films, He Ain’t Heavy, Birthright and Proclivitas respectively.

Applications for the Lotterywest Elevate Initiative are now open, and close at 5pm AWST, Monday 28 September 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit screenwest.com.au/funding-incentives/initiatives/

Screenwest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall said: “We’re excited to partner with Lotterywest on the 2026 Lotterywest Elevate Initiative. Through their support, this program will back up to eight short films from some of Western Australia most talented early-to-mid career filmmakers.”

Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith said: “The Lotterywest Elevate Initiative gives early and mid-career creatives the opportunity to develop their skills, tell distinctive Western Australian stories and take the next step in their careers. Lotterywest is proud to have partnered with Screenwest for more than three decades, and we’re excited to continue supporting the next generation of creators to share the stories, experiences and perspectives that help connect and enrich WA communities.”