Screen Australia has congratulated the cast, directors, producers and creative teams behind the four Australian works that have been selected for the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), including the surprise inclusion of television show, Cleverman.
“We are so proud of the Cleverman team,” said Screen Australia’s CEO Graeme Mason. “The inclusion in Berlinale is an incredible coup for the Australian television industry and a tremendous boost for Indigenous storytelling.”
On hearing Cleverman was to receive such a prominent world premiere in a film-focussed festival, producer Rosemary Blight noted; “The Berlinale Special Series is selected by Dieter Kosslick, the festival director. There are six series chosen from around the world and to be one of them is such an honour. It’s nerve-wracking and wonderful at the same time.”
Cleverman is joined by theatre director Rosemary Myers’ feature directorial debut Girl Asleep, which makes its international premiere as the opening night film in Generation 14plus. The coming-of-age tale won the Audience Award at Adelaide Film Festival last year, where it was the fastest selling title in the festival’s 13 year history.
Australian producer Liz Watts (Lore, Animal Kingdom) is one of the three members of the International Jury for Generation 14plus. Bryn Chainey’s Kill Your Dinner will have its world premiere at the Berlinale and Alice Englert’s The Boyfriend Game is set to make its European premiere in Generation Kplus.
“The diversity of the Australian works at Berlinale this year is encouraging. I look forward to working with members of our Business and Audience team on the ground in Berlin to ensure everyone in the marketplace knows about our stellar local product,” said Graeme Mason.
The 2016 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) runs 11 – 21 February. For more information, visit: www.berlinale.ed for details. For more information about Screen Australia, visit: www.screeaustralia.gov.au for details.
Image: Cleverman (supplied)