The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today that the Screen Australia-AAA-Onbass Fellowship, a full tuition scholarship to the AFI Conservatory, will be awarded to an incoming Australian Fellow beginning in the 2022 academic year for a Master of Fine Arts degree in one of six disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting.
Created in partnership with Screen Australia and the Onbass Family Trust, formed by Chairman and CEO of Gentle Giant Media Group Greg Basser and his wife Kiera O’Neill, the Fellowship will provide full tuition and fees, as well as some support for living expenses, to one Australian filmmaker entering the AFI Conservatory in the fall of 2022. The American Australian Association joins as a continuing sponsor of the Fellowship.
“In these trying times, the Australian screen industry has continued to show its prowess to the global industry. Kiera and I are delighted that the Fellowship will continue in 2022 and want to thank Screen Australia for its continued participation and the Australian American Association for joining this unique opportunity for Australian screen practitioners to hone their skills by studying in Hollywood’s backyard with the best of the best at the AFI Conservatory,” said Greg Basser.
“Since 2002, the American Australian Association has supported over 500 artists by providing financial support through its Arts Fund. We are delighted to join Screen Australia and the Onbass Family Trust to continue supporting the next generation of Australian Filmmakers with what will be our largest Arts scholarship to date,” said Amb. John Berry (Ret.), American Australian Association. “The Australian film industry continues to hold its own on the world stage, and supporting the next generation is fundamental to its continued success.”
Graeme Mason, Screen Australia’s CEO said, “We know Australian creatives are in demand around the world and we are proud to once again support this unique scholarship opportunity for an aspiring Australian filmmaker to not only hone their skills through the AFI Conservatory’s renowned training program, but also gain first-hand experience in the US industry and learn alongside an international cohort of fellow emerging creatives.”
Past recipients of the Screen Australia-Onbass Fellowship include cinematographer Meg White (AFI Class of 2021) and production designer Eleanora Steiner (AFI Class of 2023).
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Screen Australia, the Onbass Family Trust, along with the American Australian Association, to offer the Screen Australia-AAA-Onbass Fellowship at the AFI Conservatory,” said Susan Ruskin, Dean of the AFI Conservatory and EVP of the American Film Institute. “This opportunity for Australian filmmakers to join the AFI community, share their stories and develop their voice is integral to supporting the next generation of storytellers.”
Applications to join the AFI Conservatory as a Screen Australia-AAA-Onbass Fellow in the fall of 2022 are due by 1 December. To learn more and apply to the AFI Conservatory, visit
