Screenworks has secured a commitment from every state and territory funding body to provide financial support for The Athena Project, a two-day career development residential workshop in Byron Bay to be held in November; one of 13 projects supported by Screen Australia's Genders Matters: Brilliant Careers program.
The support means that approximately $5,000 will be offered to each participating individual or team selected. The financial package for participants will be administered by Screenworks, who will also provide ongoing support for 12 months to all participants.
Screenworks will be selecting Athena Project participants (either an individual or team of two) from every state and territory, with four to be selected from regional NSW. All participants will travel to Byron for the workshop, where experienced female filmmakers will provide mentorship.
Screenworks is currently calling for applications from regionally-based female screenwriters and directors across Australia. Applications close at midday on September 8. To apply, applicants need to demonstrate intial success in the screen industry, identify the barriers they face in trying to advance their careers, and submit a draft career plan.
“We want to make sure that the female filmmakers from regional Australia selected for this project are able to achieve tangible career progression and ultimately increase the number of regional woman in key creative roles in the Australian screen industry," said The Athena Project Manager, Lisa O'Meara.
"We will now be able to make this happen thanks to our new project partners – including Screen NSW, Film Victoria, Screen ACT, Screen Queensland, Screen Territory, Screenwest, South Australian Film Corporation and the Tasmanian Government through Screen Tasmania."
"Securing this additional support was always going to be a big undertaking for Screenworks, but it was a very important piece of the puzzle for The Athena Project as it enables the participants to actually start making a difference to their careers.”