Screenwest / NITV Language Documentary Initiative ‘First Voices’

NITV and Screenwest call for Western Australian creatives to tell inspirational stories through ‘First Voices’ initiative.

Screenwest and NITV have partnered on an exciting initiative ‘First Voices’, and are calling for emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners to tell in-language Indigenous stories that are uniquely Western Australian.

Applications have been extended until Monday, 22 July 2019 at 5:00pm AWST.

About the ‘First Voices’ Initiative

2019 is the UNESCO Year of Indigenous Languages, which recognises the importance of language in identity, cultural history, traditions and memories. In the spirit of this, the ‘First Voices’ initiative is seeking in-language documentary ideas.

Indigenous languages are endangered across the world, but there has been a surge of interest in speaking and learning the many beautiful Indigenous languages across Western Australia and more widely, Australia.

NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman said, “NITV is looking forward to partnering with Screenwest on the ‘First Voices’ initiative to create more West Australian-based in-language documentaries.

“Our aim for this initiative is to promote a greater understanding of West Australian Indigenous culture and to highlight the importance of saving these millennia-old languages from extinction.”

Screenwest CEO Willie Rowe said, “This is an exciting initiative that we’re very proud to support.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing a variety of stories that are timely, distinctive and offer a range of perspectives.”

NITV and Screenwest’s initiative aims to further develop the skills and increase the broadcast credits of emerging to mid-level Western Australian Indigenous writers, directors and producers, while sharing their stories with a national audience. Candidates will be required to develop a 30-minute documentary intended for broadcast on NITV in 2020.

How to Apply

Please refer to the Screenwest / NITV Language Documentary Initiative ‘First Voices’ page of the Screenwest website for the full information about how to apply and required application materials.

All program guidelines are to be read in conjunction with the Screenwest Terms of Trade.

Applications are now open until Monday, 22 July 2019 at 5:00pm AWST.

Program contacts

If you would like to talk to someone about the Screenwest/NITV Indigenous Documentary Initiative First Voices, please contact:

Monique Hammond
Indigenous Development and Production Assistant, Screenwest
E: monique.hammond@screenwest.com.au
T: (08) 6169 2121
Toll free: 1800 463 043 (WA country callers only)

Devina McPherson
Indigenous Program Executive, Screenwest
E: devina.mcpherson@screenwest.com.au
T: (08) 6169 2112
Toll free: 1800 463 043 (WA country callers only)

Contact Screenwest

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

www.screenwest.com.au
www.filminwesternaustralia.com.au

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