A Community Project Grant recipient, via the Regional Arts Fund, as managed by NT Regional Arts (through Darwin Community Arts).

NTTFF’s workshop program is uniquely designed in each community in partnership with key local arts and community organisations, local filmmakers and schools. Desired new skills and experiences are identified within three key groups – emerging filmmakers, established filmmakers and young people; current local equipment is audited and a a film professional development facilitator identified. Based on this, a bespoke program of workshops, industry knowledge sharing and masterclasses is created and delivered in the lead up to the festival. The outcomes are then screened on the big screen at the NTTFF.

Program participants create new content and complete existing ongoing community film projects that require specialist skills. They build connections with industry, maintain and create creative partnerships, and gain insight into pathways for creation and screening of NT film content for makers from remote communities. There is long term engagement with filmmakers living in the remote, each year building on the skills, experience and needs of the year before.

Community benefits are especially important for young people. Being part of a workshop program and screening allows them to explore a new creative media for sharing their stories. The opportunity for young people to participate in high quality facilitated workshops with their peers also develops a community environment to test and explore individual abilities. The program encourages positive group dynamics, helps participants build self-esteem, and builds trust amongst participants that has long lasting effects for young people's social and family dynamics.

Established and emerging adult filmmakers are able to access high quality tailored training and further skill development that allows them to showcase their stories, told in their words, to their community and beyond.

Ultimately, the workshop program provides creation of content that reflects back NT community stories and experience, providing a space for sharing, discussion and growth. Audiences can experience authentic and local films, increasing awareness of the breadth and depth of NT films and film practitioners.

The NT film industry is rapidly growing and the NTTFF role in showcasing and advocating for it, has become a key role of the festival nationally and internationally. The Industry program continues to reshape based on remote industry needs, capturing skill gaps, industry connection opportunities and cross-cultural exchange.

Impacts:

• 20 screenings
• 94 minutes of curated NT short films
• Total audience of 3300
• Community professional industry program was undertaken in 7 remote communities, creating 20 new films and beginning the development of 3 new projects.
• The workshops program funded a writers’ room, over 10 short films, cultural documentation projects, community advertisements, and taught over 250 young Territorians about the film industry and how to make their own films.

Applicant location: Coconut Grove, NT
Project Locations: Alice Springs, Tangentyere Town Camp, Ngukurr, Katherine, Gunbalanya, Maningrida, Yuendemu, Tennant Creek, Ntaria, Areyonga and the Tiwi Islands
Amount of RAF support: $20,000
Total project cost: $219,295

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