Filming wrapped yesterday on the first of five films selected for Dramatically Black - an initiative of the Indigenous Unit of the Australian Film Commission (AFC) and SBS Independent (SBSI) in association with the NSW Film and Television Office, the Pacific Film and Television Commission and the South Australian Film Corporation.
Shot in Rockhampton, Queensland, The Djarn Djarns is a moving story of friendship between four boys, the responsibility they feel for their culture and the love a young boy has for his family.
The Djarn Djarns is directed by Wayne Blair and produced by Kylie du Fresne who have previously worked together on the short films Kathy and Black Talk. Wayne Blair has an extensive history in acting and has also directed the short film Jubulj. Kylie du Fresne is a principal of RB Films and has produced feature films such as Fresh Air and In the Winter Dark she has also worked on documentaries such as A Band Together and Boy in the Bubble.
AFC Chief Executive Kim Dalton said the initiative highlights the depth of talent in our Indigenous communities that deserves to be recognised and developed.
"This initiative is giving Indigenous filmmakers an opportunity to develop their skills, enabling them to take control over their creative and cultural projects," said Mr Dalton.
Launched in 2003 Dramatically Black is aimed at supporting Indigenous filmmakers with at least one short fiction film credit to consolidate their work in the longer format of 26 minutes.
The five projects have each been through an intensive development process. This included draft funding and a visual storytelling workshop where the filmmakers worked with leading cinematographers, editors and actors on developing and testing their ideas.
SBS Independent General Manager Glenys Rowe said SBSi's investment in the Dramatically Black program through presale offerings and investment in each of the projects is in line with its charter to develop quality Australian drama.
Dramatically Black will screen on SBS Television in 2005.
The five projects selected for production are:
THE DJARN DJARNS
Producer: Kylie du Fresne
Writer/Director: Wayne Blair
The story of friendship between four boys, the responsibility they feel for their culture and the love a young boy has for his father.
CROCODILE DREAMING
Producer: TBA
Writer/Director: Darlene Johnson
Concept by: David Gulpilil and Darlene Johnson
A comic fable about two men who are in a race to hunt down the legendary Crocodile, Big Tooth.
GREEN BUSH
Producer: Kath Shelper
Writer/Director: Warwick Thornton
A celebration of an era of music, working for the cause and getting things done. But not in the way you would expect.
THE PLAINS EMPTY
Producer: Kath Shelper
Writer/Director: Beck Cole
Sam has recently moved to an isolated mining camp with her husband, Dusty. While her husband works Sam questions whether she really is alone.
SA BLACK THING
Producer: Pauline Clague
Writer/Director: Rima Tamou
When Clinton Spice's laptop is stolen the day before an important deadline, his world is turned upside down.
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