Press release from Open Channel
The Premier of Victoria the Hon. Ted Baillieu launched, Open Channel’s first regional initiative with Regional Arts Victoria in Nathalia recently.
“Home is Where the Hall is” mini-doc 8 episode series which was funded with the support of Film Victoria under their Screen Skills Activity program, pays tribute to the local halls in Regional Victoria and the importance they play within the community.
The mini-doc series is based on Regional Arts Victoria “Home Is Where the Hall is” initiative which was designed to re-invigorate activities in community and town halls across the State. To celebrate the significance of their local halls, a range of events were held by the participating communities throughout November and December last year. The mini-doc series highlights and showcases some of these events which
included dances, art and craft exhibitions and fashion shows.
Narrated by acclaimed actor – John Wood (Blue Heelers, Offspring, Underbelly) the series was a collaborative effort between Open Channel and Regional Arts Victoria which was filmed by recent Open Channel graduates and emerging regional screen practitioners. Open Channel is currently in discussion with a number of interested parties to broadcast the series.
Open Channel will be rolling out its Regional activities in the coming weeks which will be launched in Greater Shepparton and Warrnambool regions.
Jennie Hughes Executive Director Open Channel comments “I’m delighted that we had the opportunity to work with the regional community on this great initiative. The wonderful stories that the filmmakers captured provide us with a real sense of community that is Regional Victoria. We’re also excited that this is the first of our partnerships with Regional Arts Victoria, we hope it will be the start of many”.
"Regional Arts Victoria's Home is Where the Hall is project became a highlight of the 2011 calendar for everyone involved, and we were delighted last year to form a new partnership with Open Channel to record this important series of events. The filmmakers involved did a beautiful job in capturing the many touching moments during this first year of the program and we will all enjoy their work for many years to come," said Lindy Allen, Former Director Regional Arts Victoria.