Queer Screen invites aspiring Australian LGBTIQ+ filmmakers to participate in the annual Queer Screen Pitch Off – a prestigious opportunity to pitch short film projects for a chance to win $10,000 in production funding.
Established in 2018, Queer Screen Pitch Off has been a pivotal platform for emerging filmmakers, supporting their creative endeavours and fostering diversity in storytelling within the LGBTIQ+ community.
In an exciting development for 2024, Queer Screen is proud to partner with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce, offering further opportunities for eligible female and gender-diverse practitioners.
Additional initiatives include the Gender Matters Taskforce Screenwriting Prize, a $5,000 cash award for the best screenplay, the Gender Matters Taskforce Professional Development Prize, offering $5,000 towards self-directed professional development, and a Gender Matters Taskforce Travel Stipend to assist finalists residing outside of metropolitan Sydney to attend the Pitch Off event in person.
“Queer Screen Pitch Off is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of diverse voices in Australian filmmaking. This year, we’re thrilled to join forces with Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce to empower female and gender-diverse filmmakers with much-needed opportunities for growth and recognition,” said Lisa Rose, Queer Screen Festival Director.
“Screen Australia’s Gender Matters Taskforce is proud to support Queer Screen’s vital work creating opportunities and pathways for LGBTQIA+ filmmakers,” said Taskforce Chair Rosie Lourde, “We look forward to reading the screenplays crafted by the exciting female and gender-diverse finalists, and to bolstering the professional development of a female or gender-diverse LBTQIA+ filmmaker ready for their next strategic move.”
Filmmakers will have the opportunity to showcase their passion and conviction as they present their film proposals to a panel of expert assessors. Six finalists will be selected following an initial assessment of eligible submissions, with each finalist allotted up to five minutes to pitch their project at the Pitch Off event.
The winner of Queer Screen Pitch Off will receive $10,000 in production funding to bring their short film vision to life. In addition to the main prize and the Gender Matters Taskforce initiatives, all finalists will benefit from complimentary script consultation provided by Matthew Dabner, a renowned script editor, writer and producer, along with two Flexi 5 passes to Queer Screen Film Fest 2024.
The deadline for applications is Monday 29 July 2024 (Non-members) and Monday 5 August 2024 (Queer Screen Members). Successful candidates will be notified by Wednesday 21 August 2024
Candidates are encouraged to present their pitches in person at the Pitch Off event on Sunday 1 September 2024, at Event Cinemas George Street in Sydney, which coincides with the final day of the 11th Queer Screen Film Fest. Remote pitching options via an online platform will also be available.
Since its inception, Queer Screen Pitch Off has supported six emerging Australian LGBTIQ+ filmmakers, awarding $10,000 in funding annually and providing invaluable pitching experience to 36 filmmakers.
The 11th Queer Screen Film Fest will run in cinemas from 28 August to 1 September, with a national on-demand program following from 2 – 8 September. The full program will be revealed on 24 July 2024.
For detailed information, including eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and submission guidelines, visit: www.queerscreen.org.au for details.
Image: Queer Screen Pitch Off (supplied)