Screen Australia has announced $1.15 million in funding for seven feature length documentaries through its Signature funding program, initiating $2.69 million worth of production. “We have backed a large and distinctive slate of Signature documentaries this year, reinforcing the strength and diversity of one-off documentaries, and will provide support to established producers and directors as well as emerging filmmakers.” Screen Australia Senior Manager, Documentary Liz Stevens.
Ms Stevens explained that The Signature Documentary Program provides production funding for projects that are bold in form and content. The stories can be local or international but they must have an Australian team with a strong vision.
The projects that received funding:
A Cold War: Exploring the dirty tactics at play as Greenpeace takes on Russian energy giant Gazprom in one of the most gripping environmental battles of the 21st century
Baxter and Me: One independent woman’s life with and without men, but always with dogs.
Ecco Homo: A psychological detective story of secrets and lies, sexual abuse, incest, transgender, fame and HIV in the life of an elusive, wilful, wicked and ultimately doomed chameleon.
In the Land of Wolves: A portrait of a village in the Caucasus soon to be shaken from its medieval languor.
The Opposition: Delves deep into the David vs Goliath battle over a slice of Papua New Guinean paradise, between the leader of the Paga Hill Settlement and an Australian land developer
When the Camera stopped rolling: A daughter is catapulted on a journey of discovery following the disturbing and uncanny death of her mother, a pioneer Australian filmmaker.
Winter at Westbeth: In New York’s West Village, the elderly residents of the Westbeth Artist Community are dancing as though their lives depended on it.