SCREEN CANBERRA ANNOUNCE +SCREEN STORIES MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Monday, 30 SeptemberScreen Canberra, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Screen NSW and the Australian Directors’ Guild with support from the ACT Government’s Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs have announced +SCREEN STORIES Mentorship Program – a comprehensive 3-month mentorship for LGBTIQA+ screen storytellers.
This bespoke program is being created by esteemed UTS academic Dr Natalie Krikowa. It is a transformative initiative designed to build a dynamic, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary network of support and shared expertise within the LGBTIQA+ screen community. This program will uniquely cater to a diverse group of LGBTIQA+ filmmakers, screen storytellers, and game makers by providing tailored guidance and support that respects and celebrates their unique identities and experiences.
The program will consist of an upskilling day held at the National Film and Sound Archive on 8thNovember, 2024 following the +SCREEN STORIES Symposium. It will be followed by a 3-month mentorship and support program. Mentors already attached to the program include director Fadia Abboud, writer/directors Julie Kalceff, Alistair Baldwin, AP Pobjoy and Monica Zanetti, writer Martine Delaney, producers Mitchell Stanley, Rosie Lourde and Hannah Ngo, DOP Erika Addis, editors Elliot Magen and Deb Peart, documentarians Dena Curtis and Sam Matthews, and leading game makers.
This opportunity is currently available to:
- 10 ACT based screen practitioners from the LGBTIQA+ community across disciplines,
- 3 NSW based screen practitioners from the LGBTIQA+ community across disciplines with Screen NSW providing up to $800 in travel support to each recipient, as well as
- 2 members of the Australian Directors’ Guild from the LGBTIQA+ community from across Australia.
UTS academic, Dr Natalie Krikowa says:
“By prioritising the lived experiences of queer individuals, the +SCREEN STORIES Mentorship Program fosters an atmosphere of mutual growth, resilience, and innovation. This empowering framework equips mentees with the confidence and creativity needed to excel in their fields while cultivating a robust and supportive community.”
Screen Canberra CEO Holly Trueman says:
“Creating a safe and supportive mentorship program after the +SCREEN STORIES Symposium with leading academic Natalie Krikowa is an exciting opportunity. Great mentors can change your career and life trajectory – I look forward to seeing what this opportunity will create in the future for the practitioners chosen for the program”
Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth says:
“Screen NSW is thrilled to support the +SCREEN STORIES Mentorship Program, which will help to build strong networks and promote shared knowledge among LGBTIQA+ storytellers and screen practitioners. I look forward to seeing what will come from the connections made through this inclusive mentorship program.”
Workshop 8th November, 2024 (by application): Applications are now open for the upskilling workshop and mentorship program, and close at midnight AEST on 20th October, 2024. LGBTIQA+ people from all intersecting historically excluded communities, especially those based in regional areas, are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, please visit: screencanberra.com.au/initiatives/screen-stories-mentorship-program/
+SCREEN STORIES Symposium and Networking Party on 7th November 2024 will be open to all storytellers, with a speaker line up to be announced shortly. Tickets are available now via screencanberra.com.au/initiatives/screen-stories-symposium/