The successful projects will be between 15 and 30 minutes in length with either a local or international focus. The short documentaries should bring a fresh perspective to contemporary stories of global significance for the Guardian audience, says the Guardian.
The Guardian and Screen Australia will provide a funding pool of up to $126,500 to fund up to three documentary films. The Guardian will contribute a fixed amount of $36,500 and Screen Australia will contribute a minimum of $36,500 and up to $90,000.
The opportunity is open to all levels of documentary film-makers, from emerging to highly experienced. The successful documentaries will be available to stream for free on the Guardian’s Australian, UK, US and international sites.
Liz Stevens, senior manager of documentary, Screen Australia, said: “Partnering with the Guardian on this initiative enables us to provide both a larger funding pool and guaranteed international reach for Australian film-makers. The recent success of Casting JonBenet, That Sugar Film and Barbecue demonstrates that global stories told through a unique Australian gaze are resonating with audiences around the world.”
Charlie Phillips, head of documentaries, the Guardian, said: “Global stories are at the heart of what we commission for Guardian documentaries and we’re excited to work together closely with the documentary talent we know Australia has in spades to bring new and surprising stories to our audience.”
Lenore Taylor, editor, Guardian Australia, said: “I’m very happy that our international scale combined with local insight and documentary expertise can offer a platform for Australian talent and Australian stories to reach global audiences.”
After the Guardian exclusivity period of three years, film-makers are free to distribute their films as they wish. The projects will be supported by the Guardian’s head of documentaries and a Screen Australia investment development manager.
