[release from the Hon. Frank Sartor]
Film lovers and filmmakers across New South Wales will benefit from an investment of $893,000 by the NSW Government in a range of film related activities, from film festivals, conferences, film screenings and online events to mentorships and training, Minister for the Arts, Frank Sartor announced today.
The 41 grants – through the New South Wales Film and Television Office’s Industry and Audience Development Program – will allow cinema lovers in regional New South Wales and western Sydney access to events such as the internationally renowned Flickerfest Short Film Festival, the Dungog Film Festival, the Women in Film Festival tour, the Sydney Travelling Film Festival tour and the Jewish Film Festival.
Other events to receive State Government grants include the North West Film Festival in Bingara, the Little Big Shots International Film Festival for Kids which will tour western Sydney and regional New South Wales, and the Electrofringe Festival and Conference in Newcastle, a mustattend event for electronic visual artists.
In addition, the Metro Screen Mobile Unit will teach young people filming and editing skills both in Sydney and across regional New South Wales, while industry professionals will be benefit from grants to the Australian Director’s Guild annual conference and Awards and the SPAA Fringe to be held in Sydney.
“These grants will enable more people, particularly those in regional areas, to participate in arts and cultural activities, which is an important priority for the NSW Government,” Mr Sartor said.
“Aspiring filmmakers are given opportunities to develop professional skills and film lovers get the chance to watch films they would otherwise never have the opportunity to see without travelling to Sydney.”
The FTO’s Industry and Audience Development Program grants are spread across New South Wales, from Byron Bay in the north, west to Broken Hill, south west to Wagga Wagga and south east to Huskinson .