- New initiative to unlock virtual reality (VR) opportunities for First Nations filmmakers
- Funding to develop VR documentary concepts on the subject of 'Truth-Telling'
- Program supported by Lotterywest's $1.5 million investment in telling Western Australian stories to local and international audiences
First Nations filmmakers will be supported to develop innovative virtual reality documentaries as part of a new Screenwest initiative.
Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman travelled to Broome to announce the program, which will support creatives to produce short VR films that explore the theme of Truth-Telling and how it relates to current First Nations conversations.
Three successful teams will be provided with up to $150,000 to produce their documentary and will receive guidance and support from Screenwest.
These projects aim to drive development of the First Nations filmmaking sector in WA while ensuring First Nations stories contribute to the national conversation.
Funding for the Screenwest First Nations VR Truth-Telling Documentary Initiative is part of Lotterywest's $1.5 million support for Screenwest in 2023-24. The multimillion-dollar funding commitment is enabling several key projects and expanding the cultural impact of Western Australia's screen sector.
Additional investment into production capabilities will enable more WA content to be made, as well as the power to share WA stories on screen to local, national and international audiences.
The Cook Government is also investing $32 million over four years to implement a new screen industry strategy, to grow the local screen industry and establish Western Australia as a major international and national screen production destination.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"I'm so pleased to see this initiative being funded by the Cook Government through Lotterywest.
"It is very exciting to hear that some of the world's oldest stories and culture will be reimagined through virtual reality.
"Western Australia has a rich and diverse well from which to draw when it comes to screen, which is why the Cook Government is committed to building a screen studio and investing in the industry for future jobs."
