Screen Queensland is calling Queensland-based filmmakers from under-represented backgrounds to apply for the second iteration of RIDE Shorts, an opportunity to secure $35,000 to create a nonfiction short film.
Following on from last year's highly successful inaugural program, the RIDE Shorts initiative - standing for Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equality - will support the creation of up to four documentary shorts to premiere at the Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) in October.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich said this year's RIDE Shorts initiative aims to uncover and champion exciting creative talent in Queensland and support the agency's commitment to diverse storytelling.
"The 2021 program produced four truly captivating, scripted short films, and we're excited to see what Queensland's breadth of screen talent will produce in the documentary space," said Munnich.
"This program enables practitioners to accelerate their career and skills development, while providing a platform for diverse filmmakers to bring their distinctive voices and fresh ideas to the screen.
"We are proud to be the Founding and Principal Sponsor of Brisbane International Film Festival, which is a highly visible and prestigious national platform for these diverse, homegrown filmmakers to premiere their work and showcase their talent."
Brisbane International Film Festival CEO Josh Martin said the inaugural RIDE Shorts Gala at BIFF 2021 was a tremendous success, with a sold-out screening, calling for an encore session.
"The filmmaking quality at last year's Gala was truly excellent and we are delighted to be hosting the second year of RIDE Shorts at our festival," said Martin.
"I commend Screen Queensland's efforts on this wonderful inclusion initiative that forms an important part of the fabric of our festival."
Each successful filmmaker will receive up to $35,000 to create the shorts, and will receive creative feedback and guidance from Screen Queensland and industry experts throughout development, production, post, delivery and distribution.
Applications for RIDE Shorts are open now on www.screenqld.com.au for diverse screen practitioners identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, person living with disability, regional or remotely based, under-represented age and socio-economic status.
Screen Queensland has a long track record of supporting diverse documentary series and feature films, including recent projects Hating Peter Tatchell, Incarceration Nation, PUFF: Wonders of the Reef, Bowled Over: A Dragumentary, Strait to the Plate (Seasons 1 and 2), Muster Dogs and upcoming theatrical release Ford Vs Holden.
The Screen Queensland-supported documentary David Attenborough's Life in Colour, partly filmed in Far North Queensland, was nominated for Best Documentary/Factual Series at the inaugural Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC) Awards. Screen Queensland is a proud partner of AIDC.
