by FilmInk Staff
A film festival, screenplay awards program, talent agency and a growing slate of film and television projects. Australian filmmakers Patrick Gallagher and Martin Cohen are building a new model for independent filmmaking.
Unveiling a suite of new initiatives at the inaugural Sweeping Plains Film Festival on 30 September, the pair are building a creative business designed to help writers, performers and filmmakers get their work seen and take the next step in their careers.
The event will mark the launch of the Sweeping Plains Screenplay Awards, Sweeping Plains Talent, and an expanded production slate spanning short film, feature film and television.
The festival will also feature the Sydney premiere of On the Fence, the latest production from Sweeping Plains Films.
“We got sick of waiting for opportunities,” said Patrick Gallagher, Co-Director of Sweeping Plains Films.
“Instead of waiting for someone else to open a door, we’re building our own platform, developing our own projects and creating the kind of opportunities we wish existed when we started out.”
What began as an independent production company is now expanding beyond filmmaking into talent representation, screenwriting and creative development.
The Sweeping Plains Screenplay Awards will provide a platform for emerging writers, while Sweeping Plains Talent will focus on identifying and representing performers. The company’s expanding production slate will create additional opportunities across film and television.
Cohen said the vision extends beyond building careers for themselves.
“There are so many talented writers, actors and filmmakers everywhere who just need a chance to get their work seen,” Cohen said.
“The festival, the talent agency, the screenplay awards and the productions are all connected.
“Together, they’re designed to help creatives showcase their work, build relationships and move from one opportunity to the next.”
The inaugural Sweeping Plains Film Festival will be held from 6pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at Palace Cinemas, The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, Sydney.
