Screenwest First Nations staff update

Screenwest is pleased to welcome Perun Bonser as First Nations Executive.

Perun will be responsible for managing the day-to-day funding of Screenwest’s First Nations project and practitioner programs and initiatives.

Outgoing Screenwest Indigenous Executive, Devina McPherson, is set to depart Screenwest to take on new opportunities and projects at the end of December.

Devina has played an integral role in supporting the development and growth of the WA First Nations screen sector having overseen Screenwest’s Indigenous development and production programs for practitioners and projects.

A champion of local screen talent, whilst at Screenwest Devina assisted numerous WA Indigenous creatives to tell their own stories and to share these stories on screens locally, nationally and internationally. Devina has overseen numerous initiatives and an incredible pipeline of projects including but not limited to Sweet As, Family Rules, Our Law, Noongar Footy Magic, Thalu, Red Dirt Riders and Marni.

“It’s been such a privilege and honour to have worked for the last seven years at Screenwest and to help nurture outstanding talent and bring unique mesmeric stories from the WA First Nations Sector to fruition. Thank you to all of the screen creatives for trusting me with their family stories, aspirations and imagination. I hope that my passion for storytelling and dedication to the screen sector contributed in some way to increasing and strengthening the WA Industry. I’m very proud of the calibre of talent here in Western Australian and especially the First Nations screen sector, and the amount of hard work and support this Mob have for each other here in the West. My hope is that the screen sector will continue to grow significantly and be supported, so there will always be a space for all Mob, to have a voice, and to tell their own stories their way.” said Devina McPherson.

Perun is a Ngarluma filmmaker with a background in contemporary dance. As an accomplished writer and director with over a decade of experience, Perun is passionate about telling authentic stories that challenge audiences and empower First Nations communities. Perun has written and directed several scripted and documentary short films including Indigenous horror anthology Dark Place: The Shore (ABC), Blight (ABC), Shadows of Displacement (NITV), and Fighter (NITV). His films have screened at numerous film festivals, including CinefestOZ, Hot Docs, imagineNATIVE, St Tropez, Sydney Film Festival, and Melbourne International Film Festival.

In 2021 Perun directed Prospero Productions’ film Star Dreaming. In 2022 and 2023, Perun worked as Series Director and Co-Writer for series 1 & 2 of Our Law (NITV), produced by Pink Pepper and Periscope Pictures.

“On behalf of everyone at Screenwest, I would like to thank Devina has for all that she has contributed during her time at Screenwest.  The enthusiasm, passion, commitment and support Devina has shown to the organisation and the local sector have made a lasting impact. We wish Devina all the very best for the future. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Perun, whose skills and experience will no doubt make him an invaluable addition to our team.” said Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest CEO.     

“I am extremely excited to join the Screenwest family! I have personally benefited so much from Screenwest being at the forefront of the growth, sustainability and diversity of WA’s screen industry, I will waste no time in contributing to that legacy. First Nations communities have been telling stories in this great state for over 50,000 years, I will do everything I can to make sure these storytellers continue to be heard.” said Perun Bonser.

Perun commences his role as First Nations Executive in early February 2024.

Contact Screenwest

T: +61 8 6169 2100
E: info@screenwest.com.au

www.screenwest.com.au

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