NSW Filmmakers with Disability in the Lens
Screenability filmmaker Steven Anthopoulos
Emerging filmmakers with disability are encouraged to apply now (until 25 November) for support through Screen NSW’s Screenability Filmmakers Fund.
The Screenability Filmmakers Fund offers up to three teams $30,000 each in production finance. An Executive Producer will be appointed to oversee all three projects, and a NSW-based mentor will be engaged for the practitioner with disability.
This unmatched opportunity will give emerging filmmakers the funding, mentorship and platform needed to get started in the screen industry.
It supports emerging filmmakers with disability develop skills behind the camera and share their stories, changing the way audiences see and understand disability.
Steve Anthopoulos, Writer/Director of Screenability Film Voice Activated, currently nominated for Best Short Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) said the Screenability Filmmakers Fund opened doors for his career.
“I feel so fortunate to have taken part in the Screenability Program. It was such a confidence boost to professionally and creatively have license to be myself and to express something so personal,” said Mr Antopoulos.
Applications are sought for short film proposals between 5-12 minutes that appeal to a broad audience (with or without disability content), and can be drama, factual, animation, or experimental. Applicant teams must have at least one key creative (writer, director, producer) that identifies as having a disability and be a NSW resident. The films produced may be selected to premiere at the 70th Sydney Film Festival in 2023.
If you are a filmmaker with disability with a great idea, be sure to apply. Applications for the Screenability Filmmakers Fund are now open and will close at 5pm Friday 25 November 2022.
Image: Screenability filmmaker Steven Anthopoulos