Northern Territory Government provides ongoing support for events and screen industries

The Northern Territory Government is continuing to support the local events and screen industries by providing opportunities for aspiring film makers and further funding for the local government’s Event Funding Program (EFP). .

The first round of the 2022/23 Screen Territory funding recipients announced today will share in over $93,000 in grants to further their careers.

Funding is split across three grant streams - Story Development, Audience Development and Career Development.

Emerging Northern Territory Aboriginal screen practitioners Samantha Laughton, Delroy Tranter and Jayden Moyle have all received Career Development support, and the opportunity to work on the upcoming psychological horror feature film The Moogai.

 Through Screen Territory and Screen Australia, Laughton will undertake an attachment as 3rd Assistant Director and visual effects, Moyle will undertake a Cinematographer attachment and Tranter a Sound Recording attachment during the film’s shoot in Sydney.

Story Development grants are designed to support Northern Territory screen practitioners develop distinctive Territory stories, with $38,000 in grants going to five new screen projects.

Among them is a documentary following the Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band, as the remote community group is invited to perform with KISS on their Australian tour.

While Tamarind Tree Pictures will develop the book Dear Son, about First Nations men and their messages about masculinity, love and culture, into a documentary series.

And Darwin based writer and producer Angelo Raza will develop Mine Raiders a scripted series about a remote mine and the community that surrounds it.

Raza shared “Thank you to the Northern Territory Government and Screen Territory for their support. I look forward to bringing ‘Mine Raiders’ to life, and telling a uniquely Territorian story.”

Finally, the Audience Development Grant has been awarded to Flickerfest to bring Australia’s largest short film festival Flickerfest 2023 to the Territory.

for the Territory economy, supporting local jobs and growing an industry crucial to our $40 billion economy by 2030.

“I’m so excited to support the career development of our young screen practioners, writers and producers, who showcase the best of the Territory’s talent.

“And I welcome events such as the Flickerfest Film Festival that provide local audiences the opportunity to enjoy the best of Australian and international short films right here in the Territory.”

Event Funding Program
The Northern Territory Government is continuing to support a full events calendar in 2023, with $2.34 million in funding for the local government’s Event Funding Program (EFP). 

To be administered by Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), categories of funding include community, event development, mass participation and major events. 

In addition, 25 events awarded have been granted multi-year deals, meaning organisers can plan for future editions. 

Some of the events that have received funding include the Big Name, No Blankets NT Community Tour, which is a travelling rock-and-roll theatre show. Further events and organisations such as the Darwin Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Rhythm of the 90s’ concert, Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, Katherine Junk Festival, Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Chariots of Thunder Sprintcar Series and Barunga have all received funding. 

Welcoming the funding, Darwin Symphony Orchestra General Manager, Kate Stephens noted "we are delighted to receive support through the Event Funding Program for our iconic Amphitheatre concerts over the next three years, starting with our Rhythm of the 90s show next year. This funding allows us to continue bringing this much-loved event to life, and further enhance the audience experience for Territorians and visitors alike.

“Rhythm of the 90s will be an unmissable throwback party, featuring the finest of Territory talent in our full symphony orchestra and front band. Celebrating the best pop hits, Aussie favourites, hip hop classics and metal legends, this performance truly has something for everybody to enjoy.

“The concert gives thousands of Territorians access to a world-class concert presentation in the beautiful setting of the Darwin Botanic Gardens. This family-friendly and accessible event is entry by donation, and we encourage everybody to come together and enjoy a night of entertainment.”

Image: Flickerfest Film Festival