by FilmInk Staff
Screen Territory’s career-launching short film initiative SPARK returns in 2026 with applications now open for aspiring Territory filmmakers to craft an original and compelling story around the theme IN A PICKLE.
Three filmmakers (or teams) will be selected to produce a 10-minute short film, backed by an incredible package of support including production funding of $30,000, access to world-class equipment, facilities and practitioners, and guidance from multi-award winning industry mentors.
The resulting films will premiere at an exclusive public screening event in September 2026.
Screen Territory Senior Director Jennie Hughes said the SPARK short film initiative is intended as a career springboard for creators ready to transition from emerging to established screen professionals.
“SPARK offers an incredible opportunity to early career Territorian filmmakers, and has become a recognised talent launchpad, with the most recent SPARK films – Bear, [pictured], Fence and Live from the Alice all securing international festival selections,” Ms Hughes said.
Previous SPARK short films have gone on to play in festivals around the world, win multiple craft awards, and in 2025 all three SPARK short films were all up for consideration at the prestigious Australian Academy of Television and Cinema Arts (AACTA) Awards; the Australian equivalent of the Oscars.
The initiative is open to all emerging filmmakers in the Northern Territory who have a compelling story to tell and are looking for support to produce their short film.
SPARK 2026 recipients will receive $30,000 in production funding and the opportunity to work with an experienced Screen Industry story development mentor and an Executive Producer along with access to crucial support from industry experts, ensuring successful applications can deliver premium-quality productions and build a strong professional network. Key partners include:
- Panavision: Supplying a premium camera and lens package valued at $10,000 for principal filming, alongside expert creative and technical consultation to realise each film’s creative vision.
- Trackdown Studios: Australia’s largest premier audio post-production and music facility will provide access to their world-class staff for sound mixing each short film.
- Kojo: A world leader in post-production with an extensive portfolio which includes titles like Territory, Talk To Me, I Am Mother, and Mortal Kombat is delivering a professional grade and post-production support, assisting with the final polish of the films.
- AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School): Offering targeted craft mentorship for key creatives.
- Greg Haddrick of Broadstory (Multi-AACTA winner and one of Australia’s most accomplished showrunners): Providing script development mentorship to foster screenwriting and storytelling skills, and
- Rachel Clements of Alice Springs-based Brindle Films will act as Executive Producer on all selected projects. Rachel Clements and Brindle Films produced feature film Kangaroo and documentary Journey Home: David Gulpilil which have received combined 14 nominations for the 2026 AACTAs, including Best Film in their respective categories. Brindle Films was announced as NT Exporter of the Year winner in 2025.
2024 SPARK film success stories:
The 2024 SPARK film, Bear, written, directed and produced by Rebecca Parker and produced by Sarah Price, has enjoyed an exceptional festival run, beginning with its Australian Premiere at the Darwin International Film Festival in September 2024, where it won both the Screen Producers of Australia Best Film Award and the Audience Award. The film continued to gain momentum with selections at major festivals including SXSW Sydney, St Kilda Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival (North American Premiere), and the Adelaide Independent Film Festival. Its 2025 season has been marked by multiple accolades, including Best Director, Best Technical Achievement, and Best Supporting Actor at the Far South Film Festival, as well as major wins at the Australian Women’s Film Festival. Bear capped off its year with the CGA Award for Best Casting in a Short Film, cementing its status as a standout Australian short.
Live from the Alice, written and directed by Damon van der Schuit and produced by Emma Smith also premiered at the Darwin International Film Festival in 2024 before screening at key festivals across Australia and the Pacific. The film’s momentum has carried it through selections at the Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival, Canberra Short Film Festival, Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival, and the Lift-Off Global Network. Its festival journey has been highlighted by an Audience Choice Award at the Scone Short Film Festival, as well as acting honours for Emma Alix Smith and Joseph Althouse at New Caledonia’s RECIF Festival. With an upcoming screening at the FIFO Oceanian Documentary Film Festival in Tahiti in 2026, Live from the Alice continues to expand its reach across the region.
Fence, written, directed and produced by Samatha Alexis Laughton has also had a strong festival presence since its Australian Premiere at the Darwin International Film Festival in September 2024. It was selected for the Mparntwe Alice Springs International Film Festival and SXSW Sydney Screen Festival in October 2024, gaining early recognition in both national and international contexts. In 2025, the film continued to attract attention with selections at Flickerfest—including the Indigenous Spotlight Shorts program and its touring series—as well as the SAGA Gawler Women’s International Film Festival and St Kilda Film Festival. Fence made its international debut at the Dili International Film Festival in Timor-Leste in September 2025, marking a key milestone in its global reach. Later that month, Fence was a Network Round Finalist at the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival.
SPARK continues to play a central role in developing a vibrant film industry in the Northern Territory, supporting local voices and ensuring emerging filmmakers are equipped with the skills, networks, and confidence to take the next step in their careers.
Applications for the SPARK 2026 Short Film Initiative are open Monday, 8 December 2025 and close Sunday, 8 February 2026.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://screenterritory.nt.gov.au/spark-short-film
