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Six Aussie films snag $4.2 million in philanthropic funding

Six Australian films have secured $4.2 million in philanthropic funding through Good Pitch 2 Australia at the Sydney Opera House.

The films forged more than 60 new strategic partnerships across both the not-for-profit and business communities.   

Along with funds committed, these partnerships, will support production, build audiences and ensure the lasting positive impact of the films.

The power of Good Pitch has been demonstrated following last year’s inaugural event, with three films so far presented in 2014 – That Sugar Film, Gayby Baby and Frackman – garnering large audiences and influencing policy and social change. 

That Sugar Film has become the highest grossing Australian documentary of all time at the Australian box office (excluding IMAX).

Good Pitch, an international forum for documentary filmmaking, brings together filmmakers with foundations, not-for-profits, campaigners, philanthropists, policymakers, broadcasters and key players in the film industry, around leading social and environmental issues, to forge coalitions and campaigns that are good for all these partners, good for the films and good for society.

Good Pitch in Australia is hosted by Ian Darling's Shark Island Institute and Documentary Australia Foundation. 

The event was established by the BRITDOC Foundation and the Sundance Institute in 2008.

The six high-impact, feature-length documentary projects touch on issues around the arts, disability, men’s mental health, sexual assault and the environment.

Films include: On Richard's Side (Director/Producer, Andrew Wiseman; Impact Producer, Marylou Verberne); Blue (Director/Producer, Karina Holden; Impact Producer, Sarah Beard), Whiteley (Director, James Bogle; Producer, Sue Clothier); Prison Songs (Director, Kelrick Martin; Producer, Harry Bardwell; Impact Producer, Susie Meagher); Happy Sad Man (Director/Producer, Genevieve Bailey; Producer, Henrik Nordstron; Executive Producer, Rebecca Barry) and The Hunting Ground (Director, Kirby Dick; Producer Amy Ziering; Impact Producer, Allison Henry)

Good Pitch 2 is brought to Australia by the Shark Island Institute and Documentary Australia Foundation, with the support of Community Partners Philanthropy Australia and Pro Bono Australia.