PRESS RELEASE: DIFF 2019 announces launch and major upgrade for short film initiative “Spark”
This year, Darwin International Film Festival is teaming up with Screen Territory to deliver the festival’s annual Spark Film Initiative bigger and better than ever, bringing emerging Territorian filmmakers into the spotlight.
The 2019 program will see production funding doubled for each film from $5,000 to $10,000 in support of four teams whose project submissions are selected. On top of this, the talent pool will be expanding its reach to attract applicants from the whole of the Territory rather than only Darwin based creatives.
The new and improved “Spark” short film initiative is supported with prizes and career incentives from key national screen industry organisations including Screen Producers Australia (SPA), Australian Directors Guild (ADG), Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and Alice Springs-based production company – CAAMA.
The changes to this year’s program will add a richness to the finished Spark films, give increased impetus to rising filmmakers through prizes and career incentives and add significant value to the overall DIFF 2019 screening program. This investment in the emerging NT film industry is one that will strengthen the Territory’s growing reputation for exceptional arts and culture and give pride to NT locals.
Entries are now open for short film project ideas. Info and guidelines on www.screenterritory.nt.gov.au and www.diff.net.au.
Submit your project here: https://filmfreeway.com/Spark-2019
Deadline date for submissions is June 16th 2019.
Launched in 2017, the Spark Film Initiative is now entering its third year. While the program has already been greatly successful over its short timeline, the significantly increased support of Screen Territory for the program is set to give it an even higher impact not only on the film festival program, but on the entire filming community of the Northern Territory.
The Spark program showcases the work of emerging filmmakers in the NT. It is the first program of its kind, pushing the skills of our local community to the forefront, growing the film industry in the Territory and supporting filmmakers in broadcasting their early career films to an international audience.
Blandine Ruffo, Festival Manager of Darwin International Film Festival says,
“It didn’t take any more than 2 years for the Spark Film Initiative to become one of DIFF’s most popular events and today we’re absolutely thrilled to unveil this major upscale of Spark, with Screen Territory right by our side. We’re particularly excited to be extending eligibility to all Territorians, thus de-centralising the initiative from Darwin. I’m very much looking forward to discovering this year’s harvest of projects!”
Jennie Hughes, Director Screen Territory;
“We are very excited to be working with DIFF on this new and improved version of “SPARK” the NT’s premier short film initiative. We’re also delighted that “SPARK” is being supported by major screen industry guilds and organisations. It’s imperative that we support the emerging screen sector and “SPARK” provides a great opportunity to unearth our next generation of talented Territory filmmakers”
The collaboration between Darwin International Film Festival and Screen Territory is set to create exciting results for the Spark Film Initiative this year. Both entrants, audiences and proud Territorians will reap the benefits of this new partnership, with the further investment in the Territory film industry deepening its establishment on a national level.
Spark is all about uncovering potential talent. It is local films telling local stories, broadcast to an international audience, putting the Territory in the spotlight.