Wift (Women in Film Television) Nsw has welcomed eight new team members as the state chapter seeks to broaden its influence.
Lgbtqi+ advocate Nicole Pastor, grants manager Nicole Pesa, copywriter Karen Witt, Indigenous awareness representative Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe, industry connect Georgina Lloyd, and diversity advocates Aska Karem, Bolude Watson, and Kathy Luu are part of an expanded team to be led by Wift Australia Nsw representative Yolandi Franken.
They join Nsw Events team co-chair Vanessa Klingler and team member Sally Williams.
Franken, who recently took over from Megan Riakos as the Nsw representative, currently holds the roles of Nsw Board member, co-chair of events (Nsw committee), interim secretary of Wift Australia board, and chair of Wift Virtual (national).
She said the Nsw team was made up of members who had reached out and offered support and those that have been there since Wift Australia was formed.
“There is strength in numbers...
Lgbtqi+ advocate Nicole Pastor, grants manager Nicole Pesa, copywriter Karen Witt, Indigenous awareness representative Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe, industry connect Georgina Lloyd, and diversity advocates Aska Karem, Bolude Watson, and Kathy Luu are part of an expanded team to be led by Wift Australia Nsw representative Yolandi Franken.
They join Nsw Events team co-chair Vanessa Klingler and team member Sally Williams.
Franken, who recently took over from Megan Riakos as the Nsw representative, currently holds the roles of Nsw Board member, co-chair of events (Nsw committee), interim secretary of Wift Australia board, and chair of Wift Virtual (national).
She said the Nsw team was made up of members who had reached out and offered support and those that have been there since Wift Australia was formed.
“There is strength in numbers...
- 10/6/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
Members of the Australian Directors’ Guild have had the chance to hear from some of the country’s most established filmmakers over the past five months as part of the Adg-40 ‘First-Hand’ sessions.
Consisting of 40 weekly one-hour webinars fronted by industry mentors, the initiative is due to start again this week following a short break, with Claire McCarthy (The Turning) to share insights from her career on Thursday.
It comes after contributions from Gillian Armstrong, Rachel Perkins, Rolf de Heer, Samantha Lang, Corrie Chen, Ben Lawrence, Ana Kokkinos, Megan Riakos, Josephine Mackerras, Robert Connolly, Garth Davis, Sally Aitken, Jub Clerc, Kriv Stenders, Tom Zubrycki, Anna Broinowski, Peter Andrikidis, Jasmin Tarasin, and Glendyn Ivin.
The sessions are moderated by Adg strategy and development executive Ana Tiwary who is responsible for collating questions from those tuning in.
She has tried to focus on topics covering the practical aspects of directing that cannot be learned from a book,...
Consisting of 40 weekly one-hour webinars fronted by industry mentors, the initiative is due to start again this week following a short break, with Claire McCarthy (The Turning) to share insights from her career on Thursday.
It comes after contributions from Gillian Armstrong, Rachel Perkins, Rolf de Heer, Samantha Lang, Corrie Chen, Ben Lawrence, Ana Kokkinos, Megan Riakos, Josephine Mackerras, Robert Connolly, Garth Davis, Sally Aitken, Jub Clerc, Kriv Stenders, Tom Zubrycki, Anna Broinowski, Peter Andrikidis, Jasmin Tarasin, and Glendyn Ivin.
The sessions are moderated by Adg strategy and development executive Ana Tiwary who is responsible for collating questions from those tuning in.
She has tried to focus on topics covering the practical aspects of directing that cannot be learned from a book,...
- 9/6/2021
- by Sean Slatter
- IF.com.au
After almost four years with Women in Film & Television (Wift), Megan Riakos, the driving force behind the nationalisation of the organisation in 2018, will depart the board this month to focus on her slate of projects as an independent producer with Hemlock & Cedar Films.
“It’s difficult to leave behind such a fantastic team and all the programs I’ve been involved in developing,” said Riakos.
“At the same time, I’m excited about what the future holds. Wift Australia is moving into a dynamic next phase, while I will be able to devote myself fully to the development of my company.”
She will retain an association with Wift Australia in an advisory capacity.
Riakos first became involved with Wift in 2016. That year, she wrote an open letter, published by If, calling out what she saw as an unfair and opaque Aacta Award selection process. She argued it was causing women to be locked out,...
“It’s difficult to leave behind such a fantastic team and all the programs I’ve been involved in developing,” said Riakos.
“At the same time, I’m excited about what the future holds. Wift Australia is moving into a dynamic next phase, while I will be able to devote myself fully to the development of my company.”
She will retain an association with Wift Australia in an advisory capacity.
Riakos first became involved with Wift in 2016. That year, she wrote an open letter, published by If, calling out what she saw as an unfair and opaque Aacta Award selection process. She argued it was causing women to be locked out,...
- 3/22/2021
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Enzo Tedeschi’s horror anthology Deadhouse Dark features interrelated shorts from Rosie Lourde, Megan Riakos, Denai Gracie, Tedeschi, Rachele Wiggins and Joshua Long.
The story is anchored by a woman who orders a ‘mystery box’ from the dark web, only to discover that each item is linked to a macabre real world headline.
The post ‘Deadhouse Dark’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
The story is anchored by a woman who orders a ‘mystery box’ from the dark web, only to discover that each item is linked to a macabre real world headline.
The post ‘Deadhouse Dark’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.
- 3/21/2021
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Boasting Asher Keddie and Anthony Lapaglia, this round-up of Australian horror demonstrates untapped genre talent
A book can crack open a whole new world for the reader. In the case of Australia’s all-female-directed horror film anthology, Dark Whispers, a mysterious ancestral book left upon a mother’s passing to her daughter becomes the very literal entrance point into an unsettling universe.
For us, what lies inside is an eclectic bundle of 10 short films, ranging from a gothic animation, to a twisted mermaid fantasy, to an Indonesian ghost story. It was conceived by writer-director Megan Riakos, who issued a call-out to Australian women filmmakers for new or existing works, and those selected were granted their own unique chapter in the anthology.
A book can crack open a whole new world for the reader. In the case of Australia’s all-female-directed horror film anthology, Dark Whispers, a mysterious ancestral book left upon a mother’s passing to her daughter becomes the very literal entrance point into an unsettling universe.
For us, what lies inside is an eclectic bundle of 10 short films, ranging from a gothic animation, to a twisted mermaid fantasy, to an Indonesian ghost story. It was conceived by writer-director Megan Riakos, who issued a call-out to Australian women filmmakers for new or existing works, and those selected were granted their own unique chapter in the anthology.
- 1/25/2021
- by Debbie Zhou
- The Guardian - Film News
Dark Whispers, the first anthology of horror short films from female directors across Australia gets a digital release is Australia and the UK next week. Gathering some of the best horror shorts from from the past few years Dark Whispers is a new series created by Megan Riakos. The collection of short films will all be linked together with a new wraparound segment shot by longtime cinematographer, Justin Kerrigan. Check out the trailer below the press release and keep an eye out for this anthology on January 25th. Australia’S First Women’S Horror Anthology - Dark Whispers (Volume 1) Set For UK And Australia Release On 25 January 2021 Australia’s first all-female horror...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 1/19/2021
- Screen Anarchy
The ‘Dark Whispers’ creative team. (Photo: Lauren Orrell)
The impact of Covid-19 is having far reaching effects on the entire world and no one industry is immune to the fallout, however freelancers and casual workers (including independent filmmakers) are the canaries in the coal mine.
Megan Riakos.
I was in the United States at Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival with our feature Dark Whispers – Volume 1 (produced by myself and Leonie Marsh) when the Covid shutdowns escalated. The festival was abandoned midway in after the mayor shut down the city’s large events, leaving festival staff, audiences and of course the filmmakers from around the world shell shocked and stranded in San Jose. We were lucky and got to screen some of our sessions but others now have films without an official premiere and at a loss of what to do about their release strategy. As filmmakers do, we congregated at...
The impact of Covid-19 is having far reaching effects on the entire world and no one industry is immune to the fallout, however freelancers and casual workers (including independent filmmakers) are the canaries in the coal mine.
Megan Riakos.
I was in the United States at Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival with our feature Dark Whispers – Volume 1 (produced by myself and Leonie Marsh) when the Covid shutdowns escalated. The festival was abandoned midway in after the mayor shut down the city’s large events, leaving festival staff, audiences and of course the filmmakers from around the world shell shocked and stranded in San Jose. We were lucky and got to screen some of our sessions but others now have films without an official premiere and at a loss of what to do about their release strategy. As filmmakers do, we congregated at...
- 3/19/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Created by Megan Riakos, Dark Whispers - Volume 1 is an all-female Australian horror anthology that features eleven filmmakers and will continue its festival run in North America starting on March 5th. Also: ScareHouse's Bold Escape Rooms announcement, The Big, Bloody Apple II women in horror event details, and The Freakmaker's Blu-ray debut.
Dark Whispers - Volume 1 Screenings: "Australia’s first all-female horror anthology Dark Whispers - Volume 1, created by filmmaker Megan Riakos (Crushed), debuts internationally on Sunday 8 February as part of Final Girls Berlin Film Festival in Germany.
This screening will be followed the film’s North American premiere at Cinequest in San Jose, California, screening on 5, 6, 7 and 9 March. Further festival dates will be announced soon.
Starring Andrea Demetriades (Babyteeth), Asher Keddie (Offspring) and Anthony Lapaglia (Riveria), the unique project is a first for Australia, where genre anthologies have not been a popular format until recently. The independent production...
Dark Whispers - Volume 1 Screenings: "Australia’s first all-female horror anthology Dark Whispers - Volume 1, created by filmmaker Megan Riakos (Crushed), debuts internationally on Sunday 8 February as part of Final Girls Berlin Film Festival in Germany.
This screening will be followed the film’s North American premiere at Cinequest in San Jose, California, screening on 5, 6, 7 and 9 March. Further festival dates will be announced soon.
Starring Andrea Demetriades (Babyteeth), Asher Keddie (Offspring) and Anthony Lapaglia (Riveria), the unique project is a first for Australia, where genre anthologies have not been a popular format until recently. The independent production...
- 2/12/2020
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Enzo Tedeschi, Stephanie Pringle and Susan Prior.
Actor Susan Prior, filmmaker Enzo Tedeschi and casting director Stephanie Pringle will evaluate the performances at the third Face Off screen actors’ showcase next week.
Performances from around 10-15 actors will be screened at the event at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington on November 28, starting at 5.30 pm.
The panelists will break down the works on screen and offer advice on how to improve and what producers, directors and casting directors are looking for in performances and auditions.
Submissions which close tomorrow can be showreels, short films or auditions; the fee is $40 per minute. Entrance to the event is free.
“The great thing that came from the first Face Off in April last year is a union between filmmakers and actors that eventuated in the making of A Remarkable Career, one of the most lauded films on the festival circuit, “ the organiser Glenn Fraser tells If.
Actor Susan Prior, filmmaker Enzo Tedeschi and casting director Stephanie Pringle will evaluate the performances at the third Face Off screen actors’ showcase next week.
Performances from around 10-15 actors will be screened at the event at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington on November 28, starting at 5.30 pm.
The panelists will break down the works on screen and offer advice on how to improve and what producers, directors and casting directors are looking for in performances and auditions.
Submissions which close tomorrow can be showreels, short films or auditions; the fee is $40 per minute. Entrance to the event is free.
“The great thing that came from the first Face Off in April last year is a union between filmmakers and actors that eventuated in the making of A Remarkable Career, one of the most lauded films on the festival circuit, “ the organiser Glenn Fraser tells If.
- 11/20/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The cast of ‘The Heights’ season 2 (Photo credit: Ben King).
Backed by Screen Australia, the second season of the ABC’s ground-breaking drama serial The Heights will start shooting in Perth on August 26, providing more opportunities for emerging directors, writers and actors.
Jub Clerc, whose short Storytime is featured in the horror anthology Dark Whispers – Volume 1 curated by Megan Riakos and Leonie Marsh, and Kelli Cross (Aussie Rangers) are joining the cohort of directors under the production’s mentorship program.
They will be mentored by Karl Zwicky, alongside another addition in Tenika Smith (Neighbours) and Renée Webster, who made her TV drama directing debut on the first season.
Season one writers Romina Accurso, Hannah Carroll Chapman, Megan Palinkas, Peter Mattessi, Dot West, Magda Wozniak, the showrunner/co-creator Warren Clarke and Katie Beckett return.
They are joined by recruits Tim Williams, Nora Niasari, Nayuka Gorrie, Cassandra Nguyen, Jane Allen, Alex Cullen,...
Backed by Screen Australia, the second season of the ABC’s ground-breaking drama serial The Heights will start shooting in Perth on August 26, providing more opportunities for emerging directors, writers and actors.
Jub Clerc, whose short Storytime is featured in the horror anthology Dark Whispers – Volume 1 curated by Megan Riakos and Leonie Marsh, and Kelli Cross (Aussie Rangers) are joining the cohort of directors under the production’s mentorship program.
They will be mentored by Karl Zwicky, alongside another addition in Tenika Smith (Neighbours) and Renée Webster, who made her TV drama directing debut on the first season.
Season one writers Romina Accurso, Hannah Carroll Chapman, Megan Palinkas, Peter Mattessi, Dot West, Magda Wozniak, the showrunner/co-creator Warren Clarke and Katie Beckett return.
They are joined by recruits Tim Williams, Nora Niasari, Nayuka Gorrie, Cassandra Nguyen, Jane Allen, Alex Cullen,...
- 8/19/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Andrea Demetriades in Dark Whispers- Volume 1.
Filmmaker Megan Riakos has filmed the wrap-around segment for an anthology of horror short films by female directors which she is curating with producer Leonie Marsh.
In the segment shot by Justine Kerrigan, which will top and tail the film and link to each chapter, Andrea Demetriades plays Clara, who is obsessed with her late mother’s cherished The Book of Dark Whispers.
Each weird tale sheds light on a new facet of the twisted human psyche, or not-so-human, from the horror of grief to a share-house living disaster, from existential dread to right-swiping vampires.
Comprising 11 shorts plus the wrap-around, Dark Whispers – Volume 1 showcases films by Angie Black, Briony Kidd, Isabel Peppard, Janine Hewitt, Jub Clerc, Kaitlin Tinker, Marion Pilowsky, Katrina Irawati Graham, Lucy Gouldthorpe, Madeleine Purdy and Riakos.
Each receives a licence fee and a share in a percentage of the film’s profits.
Filmmaker Megan Riakos has filmed the wrap-around segment for an anthology of horror short films by female directors which she is curating with producer Leonie Marsh.
In the segment shot by Justine Kerrigan, which will top and tail the film and link to each chapter, Andrea Demetriades plays Clara, who is obsessed with her late mother’s cherished The Book of Dark Whispers.
Each weird tale sheds light on a new facet of the twisted human psyche, or not-so-human, from the horror of grief to a share-house living disaster, from existential dread to right-swiping vampires.
Comprising 11 shorts plus the wrap-around, Dark Whispers – Volume 1 showcases films by Angie Black, Briony Kidd, Isabel Peppard, Janine Hewitt, Jub Clerc, Kaitlin Tinker, Marion Pilowsky, Katrina Irawati Graham, Lucy Gouldthorpe, Madeleine Purdy and Riakos.
Each receives a licence fee and a share in a percentage of the film’s profits.
- 6/6/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Jackie Murray.
Who says stunt work in films and television is predominantly a man’s world? Not the folks at Women in Film and TV Nsw, who are keen to blow up that idea by staging a female-led stunts and film workshop in Sydney next month.
The key presenters are stunt performer, first Ad and production manager Jackie Murray, who is a gymnastics and martial arts expert, and action director Maria Tran, who had a stunt attachment on Jackie Chan’s Bleeding Steel.
In addition, producer Yolandi Franken and costume designer Sarah Yates will provide tips on working with stunts from their respective departments and filmmaker Pearl Tan will host a panel discussion.
Covering such topics as managing stunts in filming, stunts and costume, safety and costs, the workshop will be held from 2-6 pm on Saturday April 13 at Harold Park Community Hall, 1 Dalgal Way, Glebe.
The event is designed for actors,...
Who says stunt work in films and television is predominantly a man’s world? Not the folks at Women in Film and TV Nsw, who are keen to blow up that idea by staging a female-led stunts and film workshop in Sydney next month.
The key presenters are stunt performer, first Ad and production manager Jackie Murray, who is a gymnastics and martial arts expert, and action director Maria Tran, who had a stunt attachment on Jackie Chan’s Bleeding Steel.
In addition, producer Yolandi Franken and costume designer Sarah Yates will provide tips on working with stunts from their respective departments and filmmaker Pearl Tan will host a panel discussion.
Covering such topics as managing stunts in filming, stunts and costume, safety and costs, the workshop will be held from 2-6 pm on Saturday April 13 at Harold Park Community Hall, 1 Dalgal Way, Glebe.
The event is designed for actors,...
- 4/4/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Heath Davis.
A newly formed indie filmmakers co-operative will meet monthly in Sydney and plans to expand to a Melbourne chapter.
Around 15 directors attended the inaugural meeting of the group which was convened by Heath Davis and is named Cinegar Bar in Sydney last Thursday.
Among the ideas canvassed were making films as a collective and staging festivals or other screenings of Australian films.
“Our main aim is to create and control our own content and to support each other’s films,” Davis tells If. “We all acknowledge there is a crisis point in Oz cinema and we all have the same war stories.
“We have to find ways to ensure directors are treated better financially. I know some who spent a year on a film and had to reinvest their fees so they were paid zero.”
Among the attendees at the The ArtHouse Hotel in Sydney’s Cbd were Dean Francis,...
A newly formed indie filmmakers co-operative will meet monthly in Sydney and plans to expand to a Melbourne chapter.
Around 15 directors attended the inaugural meeting of the group which was convened by Heath Davis and is named Cinegar Bar in Sydney last Thursday.
Among the ideas canvassed were making films as a collective and staging festivals or other screenings of Australian films.
“Our main aim is to create and control our own content and to support each other’s films,” Davis tells If. “We all acknowledge there is a crisis point in Oz cinema and we all have the same war stories.
“We have to find ways to ensure directors are treated better financially. I know some who spent a year on a film and had to reinvest their fees so they were paid zero.”
Among the attendees at the The ArtHouse Hotel in Sydney’s Cbd were Dean Francis,...
- 2/4/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Jub Clerc.
All the talk about the need for structural and cultural change in the screen industry must be converted into in widespread action, according to Women in Film & Television (Wift) Australia.
“This year Wift Australia’s focus will be on changing systems,” says board member Megan Riakos on behalf of the board.
“For too long our industry has perpetuated structures that reflect wider gender inequity and disparity. Intersectionality means this hits some harder than others. Although there has been public sentiment that supports change, we believe that talk must be converted into widespread and decisive action.
“We must recognise that we as an Industry have the knowledge, intelligence and creativity to forge transformation. We need to stop asking the most vulnerable to bear the burden of this fight. We must understand that we created this system. It’s not natural. It’s not preordained. It can be changed.
All the talk about the need for structural and cultural change in the screen industry must be converted into in widespread action, according to Women in Film & Television (Wift) Australia.
“This year Wift Australia’s focus will be on changing systems,” says board member Megan Riakos on behalf of the board.
“For too long our industry has perpetuated structures that reflect wider gender inequity and disparity. Intersectionality means this hits some harder than others. Although there has been public sentiment that supports change, we believe that talk must be converted into widespread and decisive action.
“We must recognise that we as an Industry have the knowledge, intelligence and creativity to forge transformation. We need to stop asking the most vulnerable to bear the burden of this fight. We must understand that we created this system. It’s not natural. It’s not preordained. It can be changed.
- 1/9/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Heath Davis (L) on the set of ‘Locusts.’
Seventy Australian filmmakers have joined a co-operative aimed at supporting each other’s work and fostering awareness of Aussie films.
The initiative is the brainchild of writer-director Heath Davis, who made his debut with Broke, followed by Book Week and, due to open later this year, suspense drama Locusts.
The group started coalescing before Christmas and rapidly gained members among established directors as well as those with one or two features under their belt. The working title is Cinegar Bar (a play on a cigar bar that Davis used to frequent in Vancouver).
He had the idea after talking to veteran cinematographer John Seale, who told him that when he started out, all the DPs knew and supported each other and formed lasting friendships.
Davis contrasted that camaraderie with the current environment for writers-directors, where it is largely a case of ‘every...
Seventy Australian filmmakers have joined a co-operative aimed at supporting each other’s work and fostering awareness of Aussie films.
The initiative is the brainchild of writer-director Heath Davis, who made his debut with Broke, followed by Book Week and, due to open later this year, suspense drama Locusts.
The group started coalescing before Christmas and rapidly gained members among established directors as well as those with one or two features under their belt. The working title is Cinegar Bar (a play on a cigar bar that Davis used to frequent in Vancouver).
He had the idea after talking to veteran cinematographer John Seale, who told him that when he started out, all the DPs knew and supported each other and formed lasting friendships.
Davis contrasted that camaraderie with the current environment for writers-directors, where it is largely a case of ‘every...
- 1/6/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Raising Films Australia’s latest initiative, the ‘Making It Possible’ pilot program, will expand to regional Nsw next year with courses in Byron Bay, Bega and Dubbo.
The free one-day course with follow-up mentorship is designed for women in the screen industry whose careers have been impacted due to parenting and caring responsibilities.
Women In Film & Television (Wift) Nsw will deliver the courses in partnership with Screenworks and Creative Plus Business, supported by funding from the state government via Women Nsw and Create Nsw.
Wift Nsw president Megan Riakos said: “The ‘Making It Possible’ pilot program is specifically designed to address the needs of women who are returning to work after a career break or who are working alongside caring responsibilities but feel stuck and unable to move forward towards their goals.
“Parenting and caring impacts both genders, but stats show us that it’s women’s careers that are more severely impacted,...
The free one-day course with follow-up mentorship is designed for women in the screen industry whose careers have been impacted due to parenting and caring responsibilities.
Women In Film & Television (Wift) Nsw will deliver the courses in partnership with Screenworks and Creative Plus Business, supported by funding from the state government via Women Nsw and Create Nsw.
Wift Nsw president Megan Riakos said: “The ‘Making It Possible’ pilot program is specifically designed to address the needs of women who are returning to work after a career break or who are working alongside caring responsibilities but feel stuck and unable to move forward towards their goals.
“Parenting and caring impacts both genders, but stats show us that it’s women’s careers that are more severely impacted,...
- 11/13/2018
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
The Raising Films Australia survey launch.
Almost three quarters of parents and carers who responded to a recent Raising Films Australia survey reported their caring responsibilities have had a negative impact on their career in the screen industry. Of those, 86 per cent were women, many of whom were freelancers.
As a result of this, many are hiding the fact they have kids or care for a loved one. Others are simply leaving the industry altogether.
Raising Films Australia released the summary report of its Screen Industry Survey, designed to explore the experiences of parents/carers in the sector, at the Adelaide Film Festival yesterday. It is the result of collaboration between Wift Nsw and the University of Technology, Sydney (Uts), with funding from Create Nsw and is based on similar survey run out of the UK by Raising Films in 2016.
More than 600 people responded, and of those who reported caring responsibilities,...
Almost three quarters of parents and carers who responded to a recent Raising Films Australia survey reported their caring responsibilities have had a negative impact on their career in the screen industry. Of those, 86 per cent were women, many of whom were freelancers.
As a result of this, many are hiding the fact they have kids or care for a loved one. Others are simply leaving the industry altogether.
Raising Films Australia released the summary report of its Screen Industry Survey, designed to explore the experiences of parents/carers in the sector, at the Adelaide Film Festival yesterday. It is the result of collaboration between Wift Nsw and the University of Technology, Sydney (Uts), with funding from Create Nsw and is based on similar survey run out of the UK by Raising Films in 2016.
More than 600 people responded, and of those who reported caring responsibilities,...
- 10/12/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Entries for this year.s Aacta Awards open today, with the eligibility policy for feature films changed in a move designed to improve selection transparency and recognise non-traditional releases..
Previously there was a two-tier entry process for feature films. If a film had received a traditional theatrical release, it was directly eligible to enter, while films that didn.t meet that criteria were able to enter via a .pre-selection. stream; a jury-assessed pathway said to be based on merit..
Last year, Crushed director Megan Riakos.criticised Aacta for a lack of transparency around the way films were selected via this second stream..
Off the back of consultation with industry bodies, guilds and advocacy groups, Aacta has decided to scrap the previous two-tier scheme and replace it with a single pathway..
Under the new policy,.feature films are eligible to enter if they have received at least a week-long commercial cinema...
Previously there was a two-tier entry process for feature films. If a film had received a traditional theatrical release, it was directly eligible to enter, while films that didn.t meet that criteria were able to enter via a .pre-selection. stream; a jury-assessed pathway said to be based on merit..
Last year, Crushed director Megan Riakos.criticised Aacta for a lack of transparency around the way films were selected via this second stream..
Off the back of consultation with industry bodies, guilds and advocacy groups, Aacta has decided to scrap the previous two-tier scheme and replace it with a single pathway..
Under the new policy,.feature films are eligible to enter if they have received at least a week-long commercial cinema...
- 4/20/2017
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Between 2009 and 2014, only 15% of film directors in Australia were women – that is too extreme not to address
The “sausage party” flash mob at the Aacta awards last week, protesting gender inequity in the Australian film industry, was a wake-up call. Hilarious in a larrikin Aussie way – but a sobering spotlight on an endemic and deepening problem.
As one of the few women directors to win an award this year, I clicked my support of the Sausage-ettes in quiet solidarity. But when I read that two of the protesters – Louise Wadley and Megan Riakos – had directed feature films with successful independent theatrical releases, which had nonetheless been rejected for consideration at Australia’s major film and television awards, I felt compelled to speak out.
Continue reading...
The “sausage party” flash mob at the Aacta awards last week, protesting gender inequity in the Australian film industry, was a wake-up call. Hilarious in a larrikin Aussie way – but a sobering spotlight on an endemic and deepening problem.
As one of the few women directors to win an award this year, I clicked my support of the Sausage-ettes in quiet solidarity. But when I read that two of the protesters – Louise Wadley and Megan Riakos – had directed feature films with successful independent theatrical releases, which had nonetheless been rejected for consideration at Australia’s major film and television awards, I felt compelled to speak out.
Continue reading...
- 12/15/2016
- by Anna Broinowski
- The Guardian - Film News
Megan Riakos.
Wift Nsw stormed the Aacta Awards last night, with a dozen members tumbling out of the back of a van and onto the red carpet.—.dressed as sausages to protest the male dominance of the country's film and television industry. Below, Wift member and filmmaker Megan Riakos calls for "a fair and diverse Aacta Awards"..
Earlier this year I entered my debut feature Crushed for the Aacta awards.
At first I didn.t intend to enter; although I had screened at a number of international festivals and had a successful limited theatrical release (including 43 screenings across Australia), my film did not qualify immediately for selection as we did not have a .traditional. cinematic release, and the cost of the entry was prohibitive for me at that time.
However, when Aacta approached me, confirming Crushed's eligibility for pre-selection and encouraging me to enter, I invested in applying for...
Wift Nsw stormed the Aacta Awards last night, with a dozen members tumbling out of the back of a van and onto the red carpet.—.dressed as sausages to protest the male dominance of the country's film and television industry. Below, Wift member and filmmaker Megan Riakos calls for "a fair and diverse Aacta Awards"..
Earlier this year I entered my debut feature Crushed for the Aacta awards.
At first I didn.t intend to enter; although I had screened at a number of international festivals and had a successful limited theatrical release (including 43 screenings across Australia), my film did not qualify immediately for selection as we did not have a .traditional. cinematic release, and the cost of the entry was prohibitive for me at that time.
However, when Aacta approached me, confirming Crushed's eligibility for pre-selection and encouraging me to enter, I invested in applying for...
- 12/7/2016
- by Megan Riakos
- IF.com.au
Screen Women Series (photo credit: Emma Leslie).
Film Fatales is a network of female filmmakers who meet regularly to mentor each other, share resources, collaborate on projects and build a supportive community in which to make their films. The Sydney chapter was started by Brooke Goldfinch and is now co-run by Megan Riakos..
Brooke Goldfinch:.
Film Fatales was started by writer/director Leah Meyerhoff. She was making her first feature I Believe in Unicorns and she invited a bunch of veteran female directors to her house for dinner to ask their advice. The evening was so productive that Leah decided to start an organisation, in which groups of women directors would meet monthly at someone.s house to discuss filmmaking. It.s a simple, grass-roots concept that has become a powerful global movement, with chapters all over the world. I knew Leah from the grad film program at Nyu where I got my Mfa.
Film Fatales is a network of female filmmakers who meet regularly to mentor each other, share resources, collaborate on projects and build a supportive community in which to make their films. The Sydney chapter was started by Brooke Goldfinch and is now co-run by Megan Riakos..
Brooke Goldfinch:.
Film Fatales was started by writer/director Leah Meyerhoff. She was making her first feature I Believe in Unicorns and she invited a bunch of veteran female directors to her house for dinner to ask their advice. The evening was so productive that Leah decided to start an organisation, in which groups of women directors would meet monthly at someone.s house to discuss filmmaking. It.s a simple, grass-roots concept that has become a powerful global movement, with chapters all over the world. I knew Leah from the grad film program at Nyu where I got my Mfa.
- 8/28/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
The Toronto-based sales and distribution company has acquired rights to five films.
The titles include Origin, which will open through 108 Media’s speciality distribution label 108 Madcap for unconventional fare.
The action-sci-fi thriller centres on a group of medical researchers who test a new cure for cancer on themselves. Andreas Climent and Andre Hedetoft wrote and directed.
108 Madcap will also distribute mystery thriller Crushed, Megan Riakos’ directorial debut about a woman who returns to the family vineyard to solve her father’s death, and Israeli comedy-horror Freakout.
Bernado Arsuaga’s documentary The Weekend Sailor (pictured) chronicles the underdog victory of Mexican yacht Sayula 2nd in a round-the-world regatta and will launch through 108 Believe, a distribution arm designed for uplifting stories.
108 Media has also acquired Problemski Hotel, a dramedy by Manu Riche that was initially released in October 2015 and tells the story of refugee Bipul who’s origin is not known even to himself.
“We’re delighted...
The titles include Origin, which will open through 108 Media’s speciality distribution label 108 Madcap for unconventional fare.
The action-sci-fi thriller centres on a group of medical researchers who test a new cure for cancer on themselves. Andreas Climent and Andre Hedetoft wrote and directed.
108 Madcap will also distribute mystery thriller Crushed, Megan Riakos’ directorial debut about a woman who returns to the family vineyard to solve her father’s death, and Israeli comedy-horror Freakout.
Bernado Arsuaga’s documentary The Weekend Sailor (pictured) chronicles the underdog victory of Mexican yacht Sayula 2nd in a round-the-world regatta and will launch through 108 Believe, a distribution arm designed for uplifting stories.
108 Media has also acquired Problemski Hotel, a dramedy by Manu Riche that was initially released in October 2015 and tells the story of refugee Bipul who’s origin is not known even to himself.
“We’re delighted...
- 8/17/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto-based sales and distribution company has acquired rights to five films
The titles include Origin, which will open through 108 Media’s speciality distribution label 108 Madcap for unconventional fare.
The action-sci-fi thriller centres on a group of medical researchers who test a new cure for cancer on themselves. Andreas Climent and Andre Hedetoft wrote and directed.
108 Madcap will also distribute mystery thriller Crushed, Megan Riakos’ directorial debut about a woman who returns to the family vineyard to solve her father’s death, and Israeli comedy-horror Freakout.
Bernado Arsuaga’s documentary The Weekend Sailor (pictured) chronicles the underdog victory of Mexican yacht Sayula 2nd in a round-the-world regatta and will launch through 108 Believe, a distribution arm designed for uplifting stories.
108 Media has also acquired Problemski Hotel, a dramedy by Manu Riche that was initially released in October 2015 and tells the story of refugee Bipul who’s origin is not known even to himself.
“We’re delighted...
The titles include Origin, which will open through 108 Media’s speciality distribution label 108 Madcap for unconventional fare.
The action-sci-fi thriller centres on a group of medical researchers who test a new cure for cancer on themselves. Andreas Climent and Andre Hedetoft wrote and directed.
108 Madcap will also distribute mystery thriller Crushed, Megan Riakos’ directorial debut about a woman who returns to the family vineyard to solve her father’s death, and Israeli comedy-horror Freakout.
Bernado Arsuaga’s documentary The Weekend Sailor (pictured) chronicles the underdog victory of Mexican yacht Sayula 2nd in a round-the-world regatta and will launch through 108 Believe, a distribution arm designed for uplifting stories.
108 Media has also acquired Problemski Hotel, a dramedy by Manu Riche that was initially released in October 2015 and tells the story of refugee Bipul who’s origin is not known even to himself.
“We’re delighted...
- 8/17/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Gillian Armstrong, Tania Chambers, Rosemary Blight and Sacha Horler at the Gender Matters: Brilliant Stories and Brilliant Careers launch.
Last month saw Screen Australia unveil the recipients of its Gender Matters funding, with a who.s who of the local industry gathered at Sa.s Ultimo headquarters. A couple of weeks later, Screen Nsw announced that any TV dramas hoping to secure financial backing would need to have a female writer, director, or producer onboard to qualify. All the talk about correcting the stats is no longer empty politesse: it.s happening.
With that in mind, there.s never been a better time to unveil If.s very first women in film and TV issue. Inside, we check in with Foxtel.s Head of Drama Penny Win and Goalpost Pictures. Kylie du Fresne and Rosemary Blight. There.s a wide-ranging chat with eOne Australia.s acquisitions and development team and...
Last month saw Screen Australia unveil the recipients of its Gender Matters funding, with a who.s who of the local industry gathered at Sa.s Ultimo headquarters. A couple of weeks later, Screen Nsw announced that any TV dramas hoping to secure financial backing would need to have a female writer, director, or producer onboard to qualify. All the talk about correcting the stats is no longer empty politesse: it.s happening.
With that in mind, there.s never been a better time to unveil If.s very first women in film and TV issue. Inside, we check in with Foxtel.s Head of Drama Penny Win and Goalpost Pictures. Kylie du Fresne and Rosemary Blight. There.s a wide-ranging chat with eOne Australia.s acquisitions and development team and...
- 8/5/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Proof 20th anniversary screening and Q&A.
Growing Aacta's year-round member events program is a key pillar of the organisation's five-year plan, CEO Damian Trewhella said at the AFI-Aacta Agm on Tuesday night..
Guests who have participated in Aacta events over the last couple of years include Andrew Knight, Jeremy Sims, Jan Chapman, Tony Ayres, Joel Edgerton, Richard Roxburgh, Deborah Mailman, Penny Chapman, Ariel Kleiman, Megan Riakos and Ryan Griffen.
.Our member events are providing a platform for the public and the industry to come together to watch, discuss and share insights into great Australian productions and the creative process, and we.re pleased to have expanded our program to include television premieres on the big screen, including our upcoming screening of Foxtel.s Secret City", Trewhella said. .
Other upcoming events include next month.s Directing The Dressmaker Vivid Sydney event with Jocelyn Moorhouse in conversation with Gillian Armstrong and Margaret Pomeranz,...
Growing Aacta's year-round member events program is a key pillar of the organisation's five-year plan, CEO Damian Trewhella said at the AFI-Aacta Agm on Tuesday night..
Guests who have participated in Aacta events over the last couple of years include Andrew Knight, Jeremy Sims, Jan Chapman, Tony Ayres, Joel Edgerton, Richard Roxburgh, Deborah Mailman, Penny Chapman, Ariel Kleiman, Megan Riakos and Ryan Griffen.
.Our member events are providing a platform for the public and the industry to come together to watch, discuss and share insights into great Australian productions and the creative process, and we.re pleased to have expanded our program to include television premieres on the big screen, including our upcoming screening of Foxtel.s Secret City", Trewhella said. .
Other upcoming events include next month.s Directing The Dressmaker Vivid Sydney event with Jocelyn Moorhouse in conversation with Gillian Armstrong and Margaret Pomeranz,...
- 5/25/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
A still from Megan Riakos' directorial debut Crushed.
.
Megan Riakos' directorial debut Crushed is set for a March 15 theatrical release followed by screenings nationally via cinema-on-demand service Fan-Force.
The new Australian thriller is direct from a successful international film festival run including Montreal World Film Festival, Miami International Film Festival and Napa Valley Film Festival..
The film, written and directed by Riakos (50-50, The Shed), is the story of a young woman (played by Sarah Bishop, doing double-duty as a producer alongside Full Clips's Robbie Miles) who returns home to the family vineyard after her father dies in an accident.
Riakos, an Aftrs graduate, recently completed the Professional Screenwriting program at UCLA, where she wrote two feature scripts over the course of a year, one of which was Crushed.
After returning home the director enlisted Bishop, with whom she'd made the short film Blue Bird in 2013, in addition...
.
Megan Riakos' directorial debut Crushed is set for a March 15 theatrical release followed by screenings nationally via cinema-on-demand service Fan-Force.
The new Australian thriller is direct from a successful international film festival run including Montreal World Film Festival, Miami International Film Festival and Napa Valley Film Festival..
The film, written and directed by Riakos (50-50, The Shed), is the story of a young woman (played by Sarah Bishop, doing double-duty as a producer alongside Full Clips's Robbie Miles) who returns home to the family vineyard after her father dies in an accident.
Riakos, an Aftrs graduate, recently completed the Professional Screenwriting program at UCLA, where she wrote two feature scripts over the course of a year, one of which was Crushed.
After returning home the director enlisted Bishop, with whom she'd made the short film Blue Bird in 2013, in addition...
- 3/10/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
'Cameraperson' director Kirsten Johnson . Google has announced a partnership with Miami Dade College's Miami International Film Festival on a new seminar series that aims to address a lack of diversity in technical filmmaking roles such as cinematography.. . "Google has changed the world of technology and information in swift and radical ways," said the Festival.s executive director and director of programming Jaie Laplante.. . "Who better to lead a new charge at changing long-standing gender and racial inequalities in the world of film and technology? We are incredibly honored that Google has chosen Miami International Film Festival as a forum to discuss solutions and inspire new filmmakers wanting to scale the heights of their chosen profession." . The Google Seminar Series on Gender and Racial Gaps In Film and Tech will take place over four days, March 5 - 8. . Among the highlights of the series will be veteran cinematographer Kirsten Johnson (Citizenfour,...
- 1/13/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
A unique partnership with Google on a new seminar series addressing gender and racial gaps in the film industry, particularly in technical cinematographic roles, is among new highlights unveiled today by Miami Dade College's Miami International Film Festival, as Festival organizers count down to the 33rd edition of the acclaimed annual event March 4 - 13, 2016. The Festival is the only major film festival produced and presented worldwide by a college or university.
"Google has changed the world of technology and information in swift and radical ways," noted the Festival’s Executive Director & Director of Programming Jaie Laplante. "Who better to lead a new charge at changing long-standing gender and racial inequalities in opportunities in the world of film and technology? We are incredibly honored that Google has chosen Miami International Film Festival as a forum to discuss solutions and inspire new filmmakers wanting to scale the heights of their chosen profession."
The Google Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech will take place in The Idea Center at Miami Dade College and other locations over four days, March 5 - 8, within the overall Festival program. Among the highlights of the series will be veteran cinematographer Kirsten Johnson's screening and discussion of her feature memoir, "Cameraperson," set to world premiere at Sundance Film Festival later this month. Johnson's film covers her extensive career working on such filmmakers as Laura Poitras and Michael Moore.
“Our research shows that when it comes to encouraging women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in computer science and other technical fields, positive role models matter, which makes the work of the film industry so powerful,” said Julie Ann Crommett, Google Cs Education in Media Program Manager. “We’re thrilled to support the Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech at The Idea Center at Miami Dade College to shed light on this important issue and inspire more creators to showcase positive portrayals of women and underrepresented minorities in tech.”
The Festival also unveiled 21 additional new feature films for the 2016 program, highlighting some of the year's most superb accomplishments. All films in today's announcement have the special distinction of having been directed by women. The films include:
John S. & James L. Knight Competition
Francesca Archibugi's "An Italian Name" (Il nome del figlio), starring Alessandro Gassman and Valeria Golino. Archibugi returns to Miami after having closed the Festival in 1989 with her film Mignon Has Left. Liz Garbus' "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award). The celebrated CNN journalist interviews his famous mother, now 91, about her eventful life, romances and tragedies. Dawn Porter's "Trapped" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award), a look at legislative moves at the state level attempting to turn back hard-fought women's rights from only 40 years ago. Knight Documentary Achievement Award
World Premiere: Shaina Koren's "The Rebound," a Miami-made film about the Miami Heat Wheels basketball team. American filmmakers and Oscar nominees Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," a candid look at the legendary barrier-breaking TV producer of the 1970s. Jennifer Redfearn’s "Tocando La Luz" (Touch the Light) (USA), which follows three interwoven stories of blind residents in Havana, Cuba. "Weiner," by American filmmaker Elyse Steinberg (directed with Josh Kreigman), a look at the entertainment spectacle of American politics through the media frenzy surrounding Anthony Weiner's 2013 comeback campaign. Marcia Tambutti "Allende's Beyond My Grandfather Allende" (Allende, mi abuelo Allende) , a Chilean/Mexican co-production that won the first-ever Documentary Award presented at 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Lexus Ibero-American Feature Film Competition
World Premiere: Brazilian screenwriter Vera Egito's "Restless Love" (Amores Urbanos), her feature film directorial debut, set in São Paulo. North American Premiere: Cuban filmmaker Jessica Rodriguez's "Dark Glasses" (Espejuelos oscuros), partially presented as a work-in-progress at the 2015 Festival in the Emerging Cuban Independent Film/Video Artist program presented by The Related Group. North American Premiere: Colombian filmmaker Angela Maria Osorio Rojas (directed with her partner Santiago Lozano Alvarez)'s "Siembra" (also competing for the Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award), a tale of an uprooted coastal fisherman learning to build a new life in the urban center of Cali. Daniela Goggi's "Abzurdah," a drama about a young high school student driven to anorexia over her affair with an older man, a box office smash hit in its native Argentina. Ana Katz’s "Mi amiga del parque," also from Argentina, a psychological drama workshopped in the Festival’s Encuentros program in 2015, and making its international debut at Sundance Film Festival 2016. Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award
Israel filmmaker Yaelle Kayam's debut film "Mountain," about the wife of an Orthodox scholar living next to Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, who discovers her own mountain of unexpressed sexual desire deep within. Cinema 360
U.S Premiere: German filmmaker Theresa von Eltz's "4 Kings" (4 Könige), a touching drama of four emotionally troubled youths learning to trust each other at a recovery facility. French filmmaker Catherine Corsini's "Summertime" (La belle saison), starringCécile de France as a Parisian at the forefront of the women's liberation movement in the early 1970s. French filmmaker Maïwann’s "My King" (Mon roi), which won a Best Actress award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for Emmanuelle Bercot. Indian filmmaker Leena Yadav's "Parched," a luminous drama about three women from rural India liberating themselves from demeaning patriarchal traditions. Visions
World Premiere: Miami filmmaker Monica Peña's experimental sophomore feature film, "Hearts of Palm" (also competing in Knight Competition), featuring music by lead actor Brad Lovett. Lee Brian Schrager's Culinary Cinema
Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase's "Sweet Bean" (An), a beautiful story of an elderly dorayaki maker passing on the wisdom of her culinary craft. Megan Riakos' " Crushed," a murder-mystery thriller set on a vineyard in rural Australia. These titles join the previously announced women directors from Spain in the 2016 Official Selection:Paula Ortiz’s "The Bride" (La novia); Gracia Querejeta’s "Happy 140" (Felices 140), "We Are Pregnant" (Embarazados); and Veronica Escuer & Cristina Jolonch's "Snacks, Bites of a Revolution" (Snacks: Bocados de una revolución).
More announcements will follow as the Festival prepares to unveil its complete program. In addition to the sponsors acknowledged above, the Festival also thanks Telefilm Canada, Frederick Wildman & Sons, German Films, the Consulate General of Canada in Miamiand the Consulate General of Germany in Miami for program-specific support.
"Google has changed the world of technology and information in swift and radical ways," noted the Festival’s Executive Director & Director of Programming Jaie Laplante. "Who better to lead a new charge at changing long-standing gender and racial inequalities in opportunities in the world of film and technology? We are incredibly honored that Google has chosen Miami International Film Festival as a forum to discuss solutions and inspire new filmmakers wanting to scale the heights of their chosen profession."
The Google Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech will take place in The Idea Center at Miami Dade College and other locations over four days, March 5 - 8, within the overall Festival program. Among the highlights of the series will be veteran cinematographer Kirsten Johnson's screening and discussion of her feature memoir, "Cameraperson," set to world premiere at Sundance Film Festival later this month. Johnson's film covers her extensive career working on such filmmakers as Laura Poitras and Michael Moore.
“Our research shows that when it comes to encouraging women and underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in computer science and other technical fields, positive role models matter, which makes the work of the film industry so powerful,” said Julie Ann Crommett, Google Cs Education in Media Program Manager. “We’re thrilled to support the Seminar Series on Gender & Racial Gaps In Film & Tech at The Idea Center at Miami Dade College to shed light on this important issue and inspire more creators to showcase positive portrayals of women and underrepresented minorities in tech.”
The Festival also unveiled 21 additional new feature films for the 2016 program, highlighting some of the year's most superb accomplishments. All films in today's announcement have the special distinction of having been directed by women. The films include:
John S. & James L. Knight Competition
Francesca Archibugi's "An Italian Name" (Il nome del figlio), starring Alessandro Gassman and Valeria Golino. Archibugi returns to Miami after having closed the Festival in 1989 with her film Mignon Has Left. Liz Garbus' "Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award). The celebrated CNN journalist interviews his famous mother, now 91, about her eventful life, romances and tragedies. Dawn Porter's "Trapped" (also eligible for Knight Documentary Achievement Award), a look at legislative moves at the state level attempting to turn back hard-fought women's rights from only 40 years ago. Knight Documentary Achievement Award
World Premiere: Shaina Koren's "The Rebound," a Miami-made film about the Miami Heat Wheels basketball team. American filmmakers and Oscar nominees Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady's "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You," a candid look at the legendary barrier-breaking TV producer of the 1970s. Jennifer Redfearn’s "Tocando La Luz" (Touch the Light) (USA), which follows three interwoven stories of blind residents in Havana, Cuba. "Weiner," by American filmmaker Elyse Steinberg (directed with Josh Kreigman), a look at the entertainment spectacle of American politics through the media frenzy surrounding Anthony Weiner's 2013 comeback campaign. Marcia Tambutti "Allende's Beyond My Grandfather Allende" (Allende, mi abuelo Allende) , a Chilean/Mexican co-production that won the first-ever Documentary Award presented at 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Lexus Ibero-American Feature Film Competition
World Premiere: Brazilian screenwriter Vera Egito's "Restless Love" (Amores Urbanos), her feature film directorial debut, set in São Paulo. North American Premiere: Cuban filmmaker Jessica Rodriguez's "Dark Glasses" (Espejuelos oscuros), partially presented as a work-in-progress at the 2015 Festival in the Emerging Cuban Independent Film/Video Artist program presented by The Related Group. North American Premiere: Colombian filmmaker Angela Maria Osorio Rojas (directed with her partner Santiago Lozano Alvarez)'s "Siembra" (also competing for the Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award), a tale of an uprooted coastal fisherman learning to build a new life in the urban center of Cali. Daniela Goggi's "Abzurdah," a drama about a young high school student driven to anorexia over her affair with an older man, a box office smash hit in its native Argentina. Ana Katz’s "Mi amiga del parque," also from Argentina, a psychological drama workshopped in the Festival’s Encuentros program in 2015, and making its international debut at Sundance Film Festival 2016. Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award
Israel filmmaker Yaelle Kayam's debut film "Mountain," about the wife of an Orthodox scholar living next to Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, who discovers her own mountain of unexpressed sexual desire deep within. Cinema 360
U.S Premiere: German filmmaker Theresa von Eltz's "4 Kings" (4 Könige), a touching drama of four emotionally troubled youths learning to trust each other at a recovery facility. French filmmaker Catherine Corsini's "Summertime" (La belle saison), starringCécile de France as a Parisian at the forefront of the women's liberation movement in the early 1970s. French filmmaker Maïwann’s "My King" (Mon roi), which won a Best Actress award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for Emmanuelle Bercot. Indian filmmaker Leena Yadav's "Parched," a luminous drama about three women from rural India liberating themselves from demeaning patriarchal traditions. Visions
World Premiere: Miami filmmaker Monica Peña's experimental sophomore feature film, "Hearts of Palm" (also competing in Knight Competition), featuring music by lead actor Brad Lovett. Lee Brian Schrager's Culinary Cinema
Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase's "Sweet Bean" (An), a beautiful story of an elderly dorayaki maker passing on the wisdom of her culinary craft. Megan Riakos' " Crushed," a murder-mystery thriller set on a vineyard in rural Australia. These titles join the previously announced women directors from Spain in the 2016 Official Selection:Paula Ortiz’s "The Bride" (La novia); Gracia Querejeta’s "Happy 140" (Felices 140), "We Are Pregnant" (Embarazados); and Veronica Escuer & Cristina Jolonch's "Snacks, Bites of a Revolution" (Snacks: Bocados de una revolución).
More announcements will follow as the Festival prepares to unveil its complete program. In addition to the sponsors acknowledged above, the Festival also thanks Telefilm Canada, Frederick Wildman & Sons, German Films, the Consulate General of Canada in Miamiand the Consulate General of Germany in Miami for program-specific support.
- 1/12/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
A still from Megan Riakos' directorial debut, Crushed.
.
It's a sign of the times.
When Megan Riakos, whose debut.Crushed.premieres in March, is asked about some of the film's influences, she nominates three TV shows.
The young filmmaker recalls seeing Jane Campion present the first two episodes of.Top of the Lake.at the Cremorne Orpheum and being blown away..
She cites, too, the influence of the original Danish.The Killing, and in particularThe Staircase, the 2004 documentary series chronicling the case of a man accused of killing his wife by deliberately pushing her down the stairs..
As the case progresses, the woman's daughter comes to believe that her mother was indeed murdered.
"The really interesting thing about.The Staircase.to me was the children's perspective", Riakos said.."Imagine going through your life, trusting your parents with everything you have, and next thing you know you have to question everything about them.
.
It's a sign of the times.
When Megan Riakos, whose debut.Crushed.premieres in March, is asked about some of the film's influences, she nominates three TV shows.
The young filmmaker recalls seeing Jane Campion present the first two episodes of.Top of the Lake.at the Cremorne Orpheum and being blown away..
She cites, too, the influence of the original Danish.The Killing, and in particularThe Staircase, the 2004 documentary series chronicling the case of a man accused of killing his wife by deliberately pushing her down the stairs..
As the case progresses, the woman's daughter comes to believe that her mother was indeed murdered.
"The really interesting thing about.The Staircase.to me was the children's perspective", Riakos said.."Imagine going through your life, trusting your parents with everything you have, and next thing you know you have to question everything about them.
- 1/8/2016
- by Harry Windsor
- IF.com.au
Cinema-on-demand platform Fan-Force is taking on a growing number of Australian films as well as working on titles with independent distributors.
Fan-Force's first collaboration was with Studiocanal on Kiah and Tristan Roache-Turner.s Zombie horror/comedy Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead, followed by Madman Entertainment on Damon Gameau.s That Sugar Film.
Among the upcoming releases are three films from first-time female directors: Rhiannon Bannenberg.s drama Ambrosia, Megan Riakos. psychological thriller Crushed and Sonia Bible.s feature documentary The Witch of Kings Cross.
Offering a similar service to Tugg, Fan-Force enables filmmakers to respond to requests from individuals or groups for screenings at participating cinemas. Bookings are made once a minimum number of tickets is confirmed.
Bannenberg wrote, shot, directed and scored Ambrosia, based on her struggles of growing up with chronic neuropathic pain. Produced by Rhiannon and Steve Jaggi, it will premiere on August 8 at the Gala Cinemas in Warrawong in the Illawarra,...
Fan-Force's first collaboration was with Studiocanal on Kiah and Tristan Roache-Turner.s Zombie horror/comedy Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead, followed by Madman Entertainment on Damon Gameau.s That Sugar Film.
Among the upcoming releases are three films from first-time female directors: Rhiannon Bannenberg.s drama Ambrosia, Megan Riakos. psychological thriller Crushed and Sonia Bible.s feature documentary The Witch of Kings Cross.
Offering a similar service to Tugg, Fan-Force enables filmmakers to respond to requests from individuals or groups for screenings at participating cinemas. Bookings are made once a minimum number of tickets is confirmed.
Bannenberg wrote, shot, directed and scored Ambrosia, based on her struggles of growing up with chronic neuropathic pain. Produced by Rhiannon and Steve Jaggi, it will premiere on August 8 at the Gala Cinemas in Warrawong in the Illawarra,...
- 7/8/2015
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
With her dark thriller Crushed having wrapped up principal photography, Australian writer-director Megan Riakos is looking for a little bit of helping getting it over the finish line. When a winery owner dies, his estranged alcoholic daughter returns home. But when his death is ruled a murder and her mother becomes the prime suspect, she must uncover the truth. Featuring a cast of established players and young up and comers, Crushed is looking like a promising bit of work. That's an exclusive still from the film up above and you can learn more with the pitch video below. And should you feel the urge to throw a few bucks into the till you can do that here....
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 3/25/2014
- Screen Anarchy
Would the world be a better place if it were run by women? Not really, according to Sydney comic trio Skit Box.
The creative team of Adele Vuko, Sarah Bishop and Greta Lee Jackson will start shooting It.s a Woman.s World, a series of comedy sketches, at the end of next month.
It.s one of 25 projects, each budgeted at $10,000, commissioned by ABC-tv and Screen Australia.s Fresh Blood initiative designed to unearth the next generation of comedy writers and performers. All will premiere on the ABC.s iView platform.
.There will be three sketches in the series, each focusing on a different scenario that would exist in female-dominated reality,. Bishop tells If. .These will build on the themes of our Girls Harass Construction Worker video, a gender-reversal sketch that explores what happens when women prey on passing tradies..
The three members will write, produce and act in...
The creative team of Adele Vuko, Sarah Bishop and Greta Lee Jackson will start shooting It.s a Woman.s World, a series of comedy sketches, at the end of next month.
It.s one of 25 projects, each budgeted at $10,000, commissioned by ABC-tv and Screen Australia.s Fresh Blood initiative designed to unearth the next generation of comedy writers and performers. All will premiere on the ABC.s iView platform.
.There will be three sketches in the series, each focusing on a different scenario that would exist in female-dominated reality,. Bishop tells If. .These will build on the themes of our Girls Harass Construction Worker video, a gender-reversal sketch that explores what happens when women prey on passing tradies..
The three members will write, produce and act in...
- 2/16/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Writer--director Megan Riakos. psychological thriller Crushed is continuing the rising trend of self-funded Australian films where cast and crew forego fees in return for a share of the profits.
Production wraps in Mudgee, Nsw, on January 17 after a 19-day shoot. The plot follows Elia, a young woman who returns home after her father dies. The death is ruled a murder and her mother becomes the prime suspect.
Sarah Bishop (whose credits include MTV's Deadbeat Dads and web series Skitbox TV and Bondi Hipsters) plays Elia and is serving as one of the producers along with Riakos and Robbie Miles, the La-based development executive at Sam Worthington.s Full Clip Pictures.
The cast includes Les Hill (Underbelly), Roxane Wilson (Home and Away), Aaron Glenane (Drift), Robert Preston (Redfern Now), Jamie Irvine (Anzac Girls), Helmut Bakaitis (The Matrix), Patrick Connolly (The Outlaw Michael Howe), Benjamin Mathews (Love My Way) and rising stars...
Production wraps in Mudgee, Nsw, on January 17 after a 19-day shoot. The plot follows Elia, a young woman who returns home after her father dies. The death is ruled a murder and her mother becomes the prime suspect.
Sarah Bishop (whose credits include MTV's Deadbeat Dads and web series Skitbox TV and Bondi Hipsters) plays Elia and is serving as one of the producers along with Riakos and Robbie Miles, the La-based development executive at Sam Worthington.s Full Clip Pictures.
The cast includes Les Hill (Underbelly), Roxane Wilson (Home and Away), Aaron Glenane (Drift), Robert Preston (Redfern Now), Jamie Irvine (Anzac Girls), Helmut Bakaitis (The Matrix), Patrick Connolly (The Outlaw Michael Howe), Benjamin Mathews (Love My Way) and rising stars...
- 1/13/2014
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
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