New Queer Cinema

Paul Struthers is the Mardi Gras Film Festival Director. James Woolley is Mardi Gras Film Festival Program Manager and Shorts Programmer.

A common question asked of me, as director of a queer film festival, is whether queer cinema is still “relevant”. And what’s more, does Australian queer cinema still matter? The only answer I can give to these questions is an almighty “yes”.

Being gay in central Sydney, you feel pretty safe walking around most areas, holding your partners hand. Sydney is seen as one of the world’s “gay Meccas”, second only to San Francisco. Sadly, however, we still miss some of the crucial tenets of equality, and that’s something many people forget. Most notably, we still lack the option to marry the person we love. When talking about the relevance of queer cinema, it is these struggles which make it vital—queer cinema demonstrates that the love we share with one another is no different to those in the straight world. [more]

The Latest

Raw Nerve Funding

See your work on ABC2 with our Raw Nerve development and production funding. Submit a script with the theme 'One Night' and if successful you will be part of the development Hot House and receive $3,500 cash budget and $2,500 in kind for production gear and post production facilities. Supported by Screen Australia and ABC2. Deadline 20 Feb.

2015 Net-Work-Play

The 2015 NET-WORK-PLAY program features speakers and leaders from around the world in the filmmaking, creative and digital industries, this event brings content and technology together. If you can be in Adelaide between the 23-25 Feb, email us to receive a 25% discount on the registration fees.

Want to go to CAMP?

The China Australia Millennial Project or CAMP is for creative 18-35 yr olds who want to experiment and challenge themselves. Collaborate in a real-time 3 month online ideation process and meet for intensive workshops as part of the Vivid Ideas festival. Applications close Feb 28. More here

What Happens Next?

AWG's last call for unproduced scripts. Your script needs to demonstrate an ability to withhold and dispense information with intriguing effect, scripts that are structured in a way that keep the audience wanting to know What Happens Next? Entries close 6 February 2015. Enter here.

Events

Art in the Digital World

Metro Screen in partnership with The Australian Centre for Photography and UNSW Art & Design [previously COFA] present a high profile panel of artists, writers, photographers, filmmakers and TV professionals who will discuss their practice and its digital evolution. This event is part of Creative Paddington. Sat 07 Mar. Register to attend.

Courses

Camera Techniques and Focus Pulling

Starts 14 Feb
AFI nominated, Steve Arnold’s feature credits include Disgrace, La Spagnola and last year's Australian Academy Award winning documentary Red Obsession. Steve will teach you camera and lighting techniques for studio and location as well as shot composition and scene coverage.

Funding

#ScreenAbility

We're offering $2,500 cash budget and $5000 in equipment hire to produce 2-3 minute video works that challenge stereotypes around disability. It could be powerful spoken word, punchy performance piece, hidden camera story or sporting event. High concept ideas that inspire sharing on social media are encouraged. Get creative and apply by 27 March. more info.

Hire

Production Studio Hire

Need indoor scenes shot in a controlled environment, big enough to house your elaborate set pieces and back drops? Check out our professional and affordable studio. Conveniently located in the Eastern suburbs, you'll have access to a large reception area, kitchen, make-up green room, viewing window and fast Wifi.