Screen Queensland announces Authentic NQ, an initiative for First Nations filmmakers

Screen Queensland in partnership with Screenworks and the ABC have announced the return of Authentic NQ, an initiative championing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers from North and Far North Queensland. 

Authentic NQ will provide $4,000 in funding to support three filmmaking teams to tell local stories in the form of original 3–5 minute microfilms. Participants will also receive mentoring from the ABC to refine their shooting scripts, production planning, rough cuts and final edits, with the aim of delivering a high-quality microfilm for streaming on ABC platforms. 

Screen Queensland acting CEO Dr Belinda Burns said Authentic NQ backs First Nations storytellers as they pursue careers in the burgeoning regional screen industry, which is set to expand in 2024 with the opening of the $12.6 million Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns development.

“North and Far North Queensland has local talent and stories unlike anywhere else in the world. As Queensland moves along its Path to Treaty, it’s never been more important for our First Nations practitioners to have access to the screen industry. 

“This initiative is investing in First Nations filmmakers by increasing their professional capabilities and connecting them with industry experts,” Burns said.

ABC head of regional, rural & emergency Hugh Martin said Authentic NQ returns to share more fascinating stories from the North Queensland region.

“In 2021 three authentic Queensland stories were captured by local filmmakers – a woman's rise to national champion, a story of island life and turtle rehab, and a musician's struggles with abuse and purpose.

“These local stories are what the ABC is about, and this partnership with Screen Queensland and Screenworks connects local content makers and filmmakers to tell authentic stories about northern Australia’s most interesting communities,” Martin said.

Screenworks CEO Lisa O’Meara said it is a pleasure to continue supporting the screen industry in North and Far North Queensland through partnerships with Screen Queensland and the ABC.

“By continuing to provide these opportunities, we are supporting the growth of skills and capabilities of screen practitioners in North and Far North Queensland. Enabling local filmmakers to tell local stories increases the capacity of the region and should lead to more productions being made in the region."

Applications are open now and close on Wednesday, July 26.