PRESS RELEASE
Thousands of film lovers across the state will be the winners with funding for more than 20 regional film festivals and events being delivered by Screen Queensland in the 2013-2014 season.
Arts Minister Ian Walker said Screen Culture funding helped present film festivals, screenings, skills workshops and visits by leading Australian and international filmmakers across the state.
“In 2013-2014, Screen Culture funding totalling $220,000 will go to 22 festivals and film-related activities, a big boost to the arts in Queensland,” Mr Walker said.
“These include the Heart of Gold Film Festival in Gympie, the Boondocs Documentary Festival in Boonah (5–6 October), the In the Bin Short Film Festival that toured to regional centres, the Gold Coast Film Festival and the French Film Festival.
“The Screen Culture funding allows us to take film to more people throughout the state and supports the Newman Government’s Arts for all Queenslanders policy.
“These screen activities will engage local audiences and help foster new talent and skills for tomorrow’s filmmakers.”
Screen Culture program funding targets events and conferences that increase the sustainability and professionalism of the industry such as the Australian International Movie Convention, to be held on the Gold Coast 14-17 October.
Screen Queensland Chief Operating Officer Jennie Hughes said the funding also supported the state’s leading film event, the Brisbane International Film Festival (13–24 November), along with local shorts, award-winning features, international documentaries and family films.
“Screen Culture activity is a crucial part of supporting a healthy screen industry,” Ms Hughes said.
“It is a holistic approach to providing festivals and initiatives with funding enabling them to increase the audience for screen culture activities in Queensland.
“Many of the films screened will never be seen on the big screen in these towns.”