In most important screen news, you may have seen that Oscar winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballall was attacked in the West Bank by armed settlers and then detained by Israeli armed forces. After 24 hours, they released him likely because of significant press coverage.
But there are so many other prisoners that have not been released because they don’t have a Hollywood connection, and don’t have the US press behind them.
Why do we tell stories if not to tell the truth?
You can contact Foreign Minister Penny Wong on (02) 6277 7500 or at senator.wong@aph.gov.au and urge her to make Australia take a stand against Israel’s war crimes and stop being complicit in this genocide.
For Sale - Ready-To-Shoot camera kit
Includes well cared for c500 Mk II, accessories, batteries, tripod, ergorig, lenses. Everything you need to shoot from day one. Package rates available, get in touch for costs and full list of gear. Inspections welcome.
Contact Flick at hello@flickcine.com for more info.
Sea of Cinema
A newsletter from the lens of a QWOC on the Australian Film & TV Industry.
There is much unsaid in the world of Film & TV and I aim to demystify and personify it all through my experience as a young, Asian working cinematographer. It’s one step forward to speak on brushes of racism and misogyny, to remind each other we are not alone. Women & Gender diverse led crew is vital in telling our stories the right way and without this we become invisible. I intend to be break down these barriers with my candidness whilst empowering each other why it’s important we keep at it.
Please have a read and subscribe, I attempt to update monthly.
If you'd like to collaborate on a piece with me, please reach out to me on contact@mischacinema.com
Genrevillea Doco meet up!
There is a channel in the Discord now for documentary filmmakers based in Naarm, organising our first meet-up IRL for April 9th. If you’re keen to be a part of it, join the Genrevillea Discord for details - https://discord.gg/dPzhmsCxRm
ACS Credit Maker 2.0
The ACS supported by Screen Australia is proud to announce the launch of Credit Maker 2.0. The Credit Maker 2.0 program enables up to 4 mid-career female and gender-diverse cinematographers to gain a credit in a fast-paced on-set environment, mentored and supervised by a Director of Photography (DP) shooting a television drama series, and thereby attain their first break-through drama series credit, to elevate and accelerate their career trajectory.
Apply here - https://forms.gle/ndBZWqB1nxvQG89s7. Applications close 18th May.
Funding Round-Up
MQFF
Pitch Pleez! short film funding open until April 7th
City Of Melbourne
Annual Arts Grants for 2026 projects will open May 2nd
Boroondoora City Council
Community Arts Venue Grants open until May 18th
Vicscreen
Development On Demand and Production Fund both open year-round
Key Talent Production Placements now open, closes April 25th
Screen Australia
Feature/TV/Online Development all open year-round
Festival and Market Travel funds open year round
TV Production next round closes April 10th
Feature Production next round closes April 20th
At ACMI this month
Cyberpunk Cinema runs until April 12 as well as a focus on Michael Haneke. There is also a screening of Charles Williams’ Inside as part of New Voices In Australian Cinema, and the First Nations Film Club exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cinemaphiles - contact deets on the ACMI website to found out more.
Image: Butch Up! by Yu Jin Lee
Joey’s Heart premiere
A curated collection of LBTQIA+ short films from around the world
A safe and inclusive space for us to gather, enjoy the films and mingle. This unique line up celebrates pride and our Rainbow culture, reflecting who we are on the big screen.
Lineup includes: Butch Up! By Yu Jin Lee (Korea), The Test by Jessica Smith (Australia), Tits on a Bull by Tim Worrall (NZ), Swan in the Centre by Iris Chassaigne (France), Eternal Happiness by Isa Luengo & Sofia Esteve (Spain) and Joey's Heart by Louise Lever (NZ). Screening April 29th at Cinema Nova.
The Telling Of The Untold Story Of Tabitha Booth
A ridiculously twisted mockumentary from comedian Frankie McNair. Come for the absurd gags, stay for the Transatlantic(ish) accent. Shot on a shoe string budget, watch it in 6 eps or binge the full experience.
Out now on Grouse House.
The VR Critic
Film & TV critic Luke Buckmaster has launched a website specifically focused on reviews and critique of virtual and mixed reality. A much-needed space in a very unique medium that stands separate from film, television, or games - check it out and subscribe for fascinating insights into what’s happening in the field.
anon submission:
Hi everyone, I’m attending my first ever Screen Forever this year and wanted to see if anyone had any unique tips (besides the usual conference advice) for emerging filmmakers attending? How do I get the most out of that hefty price tag?
You can respond to, or submit your own anonymous Soapbox questions or statements via the submission form.
If any info in here looks wrong to you, please also drop us a line at genrevillea@gmail.com. Mistakes will probably be made.