Community Film Festivals receive funding for opening nights across NSW

Local film festivals organisers and film aficionados across NSW are set to benefit from a new funding program that supports opening night celebrations for the community.

The new Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund will offer grants of up to $5,000 for established community film festivals to bring communities together in country cinemas and suburban centres to celebrate and connect through film.

Culturally diverse, regional, emerging, and genre-specific communities will be supported to grow the reach and impact of their established film festivals through the new $200,000 program announced by the NSW Government.

This new fund complements existing Screen Audience Development Fund grants, which range from up to $10,000 for a single year to $10,000 - $50,000 p.a. in multi-year funding.

NSW Minister for the Arts, Music and Night-Time Economy, Jobs and Tourism John Graham noted “Every June for the last 71 years, Sydney’s State Theatre rolls out the red carpet for the opening night of the Sydney Film Festival. We want to do the same thing and roll out red carpets for opening nights right across NSW for these community film festivals.

“Community film festivals are often run on small budgets, driven by the sheer passion of a community. We know rising costs are making it harder to put on events. This fund will help ease some of that burden, and allow these communities to continue to celebrate their stories.

“Film festivals with a strong community base have the ability to introduce and attract new audiences to the cinema, in an era of streaming from the couch. The opening night is an important moment to celebrate, as it presents an unmissable experience.

“This program is focused on enriching the experience of community connection, growing audiences and the appreciation of stories, and celebrating the way we see ourselves.

Polish Film Festival Director, Magdalena Ambrozkiewicz added "Polish Film Festival welcomes the introduction of this new funding opportunity. Film festivals like ours play a vital role in strengthening the cultural fabric of our community, ensuring diverse stories and traditions are celebrated and preserved for future generations.

“Government backing for such festivals is essential for sustaining and expanding these events, particularly in the face of rising costs and the ongoing challenge of recovering pre-COVID attendance levels. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Polish Film Festival this year, we look forward to continuing our mission of showcasing Polish culture and the rich narratives of Polish cinema to inspire and connect our community."

Eligible festival organisers will be able to apply for funding of up to $5,000 to cover specified costs outlined in their budget. Approved activities and costs may include:

• venue hire,

• equipment costs,

• marketing and promotion,

• subsidising tickets for select community representatives,

• AusLan interpreters

• transport and travel costs and other associated costs.

The Community Film Festival Opening Night Fund is now open for applications. For further information visit the Screen NSW website