After securing funding in the latest round of Sunshine Coast Council Regional Arts Development Fund grants, local filmmaker Paul Nevison will head to Berlin later this year, where his film “Volta” will be recognised on the international stage at the 2019 Ciclope Festival.
“Volta” is a short documentary about child labour on Ghana’s Lake Volta. The film won best direction at Ciclope’s regional festival in Africa in April, making it a finalist at the Berlin Festival.
Since it began in 2010, Ciclope has become the ultimate platform for directors, creatives, artists, producers and entertainment professionals to network, be inspired and catch up with the latest trends in storytelling.
Paul Nevison said having local Sunshine Coast artists recognised at premiere events internationally was a great achievement.
“Being selected as a finalist and having the opportunity to attend international awards is incredible,” Mr Nevison said.
“It showcases that there is a burgeoning community of artists alive and well on the Sunshine Coast and that excellence in the arts isn’t confined to cities only.
“Having just won a Gold Screen Award at this year’s Young Director Award in Cannes and the Pilgrim Media Prize, it’s been gratifying to have my film “Volta” recognised by my industry, so I’m thrilled I have the chance to attend the award ceremony in Berlin.
“It will also give me the opportunity to connect with some of the world’s best filmmakers and production companies.
“Moments of international exposure are rare in one’s career and I’m excited to make the most of the opportunity.”
Arts Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan 2018-38 identified a range of strategies and mechanisms, including the important RADF program that supported artists to develop their arts practice and test and realise innovative ideas.
“The calibre of RADF applicants continues to rise here on the Sunshine Coast. This is a reflection of both the quality and range of artists who call the Sunshine Coast home, and the depth of their practice,” Cr Baberowski said.
“In this RADF round, council awarded more than $50,000 to 18 Sunshine Coast creative and development projects spanning literature, dance, visual arts, music, theatre and film.
“It’s important that we strategically help to develop local artists, such as Paul Nevison, so they can continue to reach new audiences and international markets.
“There is a burgeoning film industry on the Sunshine Coast. Council has shown its support in a range of ways including the awarding of a community partnership fund grant to the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective, our peak industry body on the Coast, to help them further develop the local industry – exciting times ahead for screen!
“From this RADF round, there are also two new dance projects I’m intrigued to see come to life – Endless, a new dance theatre project from Chloe Lanham that will focus on anxiety in today’s society, and a contemporary dance work by Courtney Scheu and collaborators who will develop Plastic Belly towards a full length, site-specific presentation outcome at the Supercell Festival of Contemporary Dance 2020.”
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is proud to continue its RADF partnership with local governments with an investment of $2.08 million, through Arts Queensland, for the 2019-20 fund.
“This investment supports the delivery of hundreds of arts experiences and professional development opportunities across the state,” Ms Enoch said.
“Projects funded through RADF provide pathways for learning, contribute to the creation of jobs, foster creativity and boost cultural tourism.”
Expressions of interest for the next round of RADF funding are now open.
To discuss your project, contact council’s RADF Liaison Officer on
