Press release from Melbourne International Film Festival
23 July 2009 – The Melbourne International Film Festival MIFF Premiere Fund has opened its application process for Round Six with a call for submissions that closes on17 August 2009.
The MIFF Premiere Fund commenced operations in September 2007 with a A$1.6 million grant over two years from the Victorian State Government. At MIFF 2008, Victorian State Premier John Brumby and Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced that the MIFF Premiere Fund would continue with a further A$1.6 million grant over two years from July 2009. The Fund provides strategic minority financial supports to a range of local theatrical documentaries and narrative feature films that will have their premieres at MIFF.
Thus far, the MIFF Premiere Fund has offered co-financing to 14 films, including MIFF 2009 opening night film Balibo and closing night film Bran Nue Dae, as well as Blessed, The Loved Ones and feature documentary Indonesia Calling. Premiere Fund titles in MIFF 2008 included opening night film Not Quite Hollywood as well as sell-out premieres of Rock N Roll Nerd, Bastardy and Celebrity: Dominick Dunne
Thus far, MIFF Premiere Fund films for MIFF 2010 include Love & Mortar, Kin and feature documentary Ben Lee: Catch My Disease. Round Six of the MIFF Premiere Fund seeks applications from projects that can premiere at MIFF 2010 and funding decisions will be announced on 15 September 2009. Round Seven of the MIFF Premiere Fund (which opens 22 September 2009) will consider applications from films to premiere at MIFF 2011.
MIFF Premiere Fund production financing supports can include completion/enhancement loans, mini-gap equity investments and matching marketing/distribution advances. The Fund accepts applications from Victorian producers with market-ready feature documentary and feature drama projects in advanced stages of financing. Submissions must demonstrate that they: have strength of connection to Victoria; can premiere at MIFF; have viable co-financing to enable them to go into production in time for a MIFF premiere; and will benefit in creative, industrial and/or distribution terms from MIFF’s financial backing.
For guidelines and application forms, go to http://www.miffpremierefund.com
In addition to being offered production co-financing, successful applicants to the MIFF Premiere Fund also receive complimentary registration to MIFF 37ºSouth Market, MIFF’s film co-financing market that occurs in the opening weekend of MIFF. MIFF Premiere Fund co-financed titles also receive priority for 37ºSouth: Breakthru Screenings, showcasing films requiring sales and/or distribution to the market’s invited buyers. For more information on MIFF 37ºSouth Market, go to http://www.miff37degreesSouth.com
For more details on the Melbourne International Film Festival, including ticket purchases for MIFF 2009, go to http://www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au