The elephant in the screening room

 

“In this context, Screen Australia’s Feature Film Production Program aims to assist in the creation of a diverse range of successful Australian films that resonate with their audiences – films that entertain, enlighten and reflect an Australian sense of identity both domestically and internationally.”

 

“reflect an Australian sense of identity”

 

What does this have to do with filmmaking? Surely this guideline is dictating and influencing the movies we make. Stifling art and the creative process. We are a multicultural society. If Jackie Chan’s stunt team legally immigrated to Australia and wanted to make an action picture, would that work against them? If I wanted to make a science fiction flick, set in space, would I be on the dark side of the eight ball? If I wanted to make a horror film that did not “reflect an Australian sense of identity” would my application be sliced and diced for lack of kangaroos and junkies?

Screen Australia is like your drunken uncle, he gives you money, is not that bright and his heart is in the right place.

It’s a shame.