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THE HON DARYL WILLIAMS AM QC MP MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND THE ARTS

SENATOR THE ROD KEMP MINISTER FOR THE ARTS AND SPORTS

A DECADE OF SUPPORT FOR INDIGENOUS FILM

20 November 2003

This year, we celebrate a decade of remarkable achievement by Australia's indigenous film-makers, supported by the Australian Film Commission's Indigenous Unit.

It has been 10 years since a dedicated Indigenous Unit was established by the Australian Film Commission (AFC) and 10 years since the first indigenous student graduated from the Australian, Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).

Both bodies have helped to ensure that indigenous Australians have the opportunity to tell their stories, hone their skills and forge the links that will help to propel them forward in the competitive and highly skilled production industry.

We are pleased to announce that the AFTRS, the AFC and Indigenous Screen Australia will build on this valuable work by jointly developing an Indigenous Film and Television Training Strategy.

This strategy will help to develop the quality and diversity of indigenous film-making in Australia. It will ensure that indigenous self-representation is achieved in the creative and technical aspects of film and television productions.

A discussion paper on the proposed strategy will be released by the end of this year.

The Australian Government, through the Commonwealth Film Program, is committed to supporting a vibrant, diverse and successful local production industry so that Australians can continue to see their own experiences reflected on screen.

We have already seen an impressive record of achievements by indigenous film-makers.

Indigenous graduates of the AFTRS have gone on to make award-winning feature films, short drama and documentaries.

And they have been widely represented at Australian and international film festivals, including Cannes, the Berlin Film Festival and the Sydney Film Festival.

In doing so, they have made a valuable contribution to Australian screen culture and to our film heritage.

These film-makers provide strong and successful role models for aspiring film-makers and

industry practitioners throughout Australia.

Media contacts: Carina Tan-Van Baren (Mr Williams) (02) 6277 7480/ 0439 425 373 Richard Wise (Senator Kemp) (03) 9650 7274/ 0438 204 554