Press release from LA Publicity
One of Victoria’s most exciting emerging screenwriters Jehan Ratnatunga has taken out the feature film pitching competition, THE NATIONAL PITCH, with his coming of age romantic comedy, “Arranged”. THE NATIONAL PITCH which is a SDA (Screen Development Australia) initiative in partnership with MPA (Motion Picture Association) Asia Pacific, was recently held as part of Metroscreen’s 30th Anniversary celebrations.
Jehan, who was selected to represent Victoria through Open Channel’s SHORT & SHARP PRO PITCHING COMPETITION, will now represent Australia at the MPA-CICE Film Workshop to be held in Beijing, China from December 1 to 3. Jehan was selected from a highly competitive field of representatives from around Australia by a judging panel comprised of Producers Jan Chapman (The Piano, Love Serenade, Lantana, Bright Star), and Vincent Sheehan (The Hunter, Animal Kingdom, Little Fish, TV's Laid), Distributor Richard Payten (Managing Director, Transmission), Stephen Jenner (Public Relations Consultant for the Motion Picture Association (MPA) Asia Pacific) and Screen Australia's Chris Oliver (Senior Manager, State and Industry Partnerships, Screen Australia).
Open Channel Executive Director Jennie Hughes commented, “We’re thrilled that Jehan will be representing Australia at the MPA-CICE (China International Copyright Expo) Film Workshop in Beijing. He took out our Short and Sharp Pro Pitching Competition (supported by Film Victoria) in late-September, where he wowed a selection panel including Seph McKenna (Head of Australian Production, Roadshow Films). He has a strong vision for
“Arranged” and a great talent for the art of pitching. He also has highly experienced filmmaker, Marc Gracie attached to the project which also recently received development funding from Film Victoria. In addition to Jehan’s win , I’m also delighted to have the opportunity to work on such a great joint initiative with our SDA colleagues and look forward to many more”.
Jehan’s victory marks the final stage of Open Channels SHORT AND SHARP PRO (a brand extension of Open Channel’s highly successful SHORT AND SHARP) pitching competition and provides Jehan with the very real opportunity to emulate the success of recent Workshop participant Xue Xiaolu, whose debut feature film "Ocean Heaven", starring Jet Li (Once Upon a Time in China, Hero) and produced by Bill Kong (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; Lust, Caution), was produced off the back of her involvement in the Workshop.