Editor

The Adelaide Film Festival has announced the first nine projects commissioned through the newly established Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund (AFFIF). The fund, an initiative of the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Mike Rann, gives the Adelaide Film Festival a unique position in Australia’s film calendar. The Festival not only showcases the best of international screen culture but is the only Festival to also commission new and innovative Australian works, for premiere at the biennial Adelaide event (2005) and beyond.

The AFFIF provides equity investment in Australian screen production of $500,000 per year for two years [2003-5]. The Adelaide Film Festival Board, following recommendation by the Festival’s Director Katrina Sedgwick, selects the projects. The total projected economic impact in South Australia through these productions is over $5.9 million.

The nine new commissions comprise two feature films, four documentaries – including two of feature length and a multi platform project - and three short films.

Premier Mike Rann said, ‘Ten years ago there was no film production recorded in this State and now South Australia is leading the way with independent Australian film making. This Government’s commitment to the film industry through the funding of the Adelaide Film Festival - and its investment fund - is creating a whole new era of film production in this State. This fund is helping us to achieve our aim of substantially expanding our local film industry and lifting South Australia’s reputation as the home of independent film making in Australia.’
Adelaide Film Festival Chair Cheryl Bart said, ‘The AFFIF further distinguishes South Australia’s newest festival and this point of difference has been generating excitement and interest nationally and internationally. We are delighted with the calibre of projects we have been able to invest in and to find that we are able to fill a vital gap in the financing structures available to independent and art house screen production in this country.’
Bridget Ikin, Producer of the AFFIF commissioned feature, Look Both Ways said,
‘I have to offer my wholehearted thanks to the Adelaide Film Festival's new Investment Fund. Within the Australian context, it's a unique cultural intervention; the board's desire to take risks and to support innovation is very welcome. Simply, the investment - and enthusiastic support - from the AFFIF for Look Both Ways made it possible to make the film.’


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Courtney Gibson Head of ABC Arts and Entertainment TV said, ‘Over just a couple of years the AFFIF has set a tremendous benchmark in terms of spotting and supporting the most wonderfully original new arts documentary and talented creative teams. As these works are made and screened over the next few years the AFFIF will make a unique and significant imprint on the documentary landscape and so perform a vital cultural function, as the work is shown to film and TV audiences both here and overseas. ABC TV looks forward to the further opportunities to partner the fund on future projects.’


AFFIF commissioned works for premiere at the AFF in 2005 comprise:

Look Both Ways [feature] directed & written by Sarah Watt, produced by Bridget Ikin

Goon But Not Forgotten – the life & legacy of Spike Milligan [feature documentary]
Writer Director Producer Cinematographer: Cathy Henkel, Co-Producer: Jeff Canin

Sounding the Future – The Music of Tristram Cary [55min documentary]
Producer Claire Harris, Director Matt Bate

UsMob.com [multi platform project]
Director: David Vadiveloo, Producer: Heather Croall, Executive Producers: Tangentyerre Council

Nascent – [experimental short]
Writer Director Producer: Gina Czarnecki with Australian Dance Theatre

Azadi [dramatic short] Written & directed by Anthony Maras, DOP Geoffrey Simpson

Fritz Gets Rich [animated short film] People’s Republic of Animation [PRA]

For Premiere in 2006:

Ten Canoes [feature film]
Written & directed by Rolf de Heer, co-directed by and starring David Gulpilil

For premiere in 2007 AFF:

Enta Omri – You Are My Beloved [feature documentary]
Writer Director Producer: Sherine Salama