Leading South Australian producer and entrepreneur Anton Andreacchio has been appointed as the new Chair of the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF) Board and will be joined by other celebrated screen professionals appointed to the Board.
Minister for Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni said he is delighted to announce Mr Andreacchio as the new Chair of the AFF Board. Anton is a South Australian producer and entrepreneur working across new screen technologies and applications and the founder of virtual reality production company Jumpgate.
“Mr Andreacchio will make a vital contribution and will further the objectives of the AFF Board and the South Australian film industry during his tenure as Chair from 1 November 2020 until 31 October 2023,” Minister Pisoni said.
“I’m thrilled to also announce that internationally acclaimed Australian actor Hugo Weaving AO, prominent Aboriginal screen writer and director Rebecca Cole, experienced company director and entrepreneur Joshua Fanning, and experienced accountant Marianna Panopoulos have been appointed as AFF Board Directors from 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2023.
“I also congratulate award winning producer Martha Coleman, on being re-appointed to the AFF Board, which will provide stability and continuation of knowledge and experience in the Board’s operations.
“The calibre of the reappointments and new appointments is fantastic, and they will bring a diversity of the skills and experience needed to undertake the functions of the AFF Board.
“Our screen industry is a critical part of our creative industries. It plays an important role in growing our state’s economy and culture it’s wonderful to see production now underway in South Australia since COVID-19.
“South Australia’s screen sector continues to thrive, ranging from large-scale Hollywood productions such as Mortal Kombat, to local films and innovative digital work in virtual reality, visual effects, and games development.
“I acknowledge the significant contribution made by outgoing AFF Board Chair Sandra Sdraulig AM. Ms Sdraulig was involved from the very beginning developing the initial concept to launch a truly innovative and bold new film festival in Australia, which could drive production of Australian stories. She was integral in the development of the Adelaide Film Festival Investment Fund, which has generated extraordinary success continuing to distinguish the event both nationally and internationally.
“Sandra joined the board in 2011 and has steered it towards a new growth period which has seen it sell-out most of its 2020 sessions. She leaves a legacy of innovation for a new generation of board members and new staffing including the current director Mat Kesting.
“Thank you to outgoing members Andrew Mackie, Maria Ravese and The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor for their great work and contributions to our state’s screen industry. I wish them every success in the future and know they will continue to support the Adelaide Film Festival.
Adelaide Film Festival Board appointments:
Anton Andreacchio
Mr Andreacchio is a South Australian producer and entrepreneur, working across new screen technologies and applications and is the founder of studio Jumpgate. Jumpgate has sponsored and supported the AFF since 2015, along with the International Film Festival and the Adelaide Symphony, in which saw the revolutionary integration of VR/AR technologies. Mr Andreacchio holds a diversity and wealth of industry experience and knowledge and has worked on over 400 successful projects, forming both inter-and-cross industry relationships in the drive of the development and success of the SA industry. Mr Andreacchio is also currently a member of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.
Hugo Weaving AO
Mr Weaving is one of the most recognised Australian actors. Internationally acclaimed Mr Weaving has played roles in over 100 films. These include The Matrix trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, V for Vendetta, Captain America as well as numerous Australian films including; The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Proof and Babe. Mr Weaving has won an array of awards in support of his success as an actor including seven Australian Film Institute Awards, an MTV Award and Satellite Award. Mr Weaving has also served on industry boards, including the Australian Film Finance Corporation.
Rebecca Cole
Ms Cole is a prominent Aboriginal screen writer and director of drama and documentaries, Ms Rebecca Cole is a graduate from the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), who commenced her career as a TV journalist for Imaparja television, working for ABC TV and then Central Australian Media Associations (CAAMA). Ms Cole’s award-winning work has screened internationally, including her feature Here I Am, short film Plains Empty & Flat, documentary Making Samson & Deliliah, First Australians and The Lord of Love and Wiriya; small boy. In addition, Ms Cole has directed a collective of TV series including the award-winning sketch show Black Comedy and TV Drama Wentworth.
Marianna Panopoulos
Ms Panopoulos has a Bachelor of Commerce from Flinders University, is a certified practicing Accountant and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University. As CFO and Company Secretary, Ms Panopoulos managed the Australian Human Resources Institute Limited’s accounting, reporting, risk management, governance and regulatory compliance and is current serving on the Adelaide Film Festival Audit and Risk subcommittee.
Joshua Fanning
Mr Fanning is an experienced company director and entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of founding and building media brands, successfully selling two out of three, one of which being CityMag in 2018 with over 600,000 readers. Mr Fanning is the youngest board member of the Art Gallery of South Australia, was a founding board member and director of the Committee for Adelaide, is a member of the Institute of Community Directors, and undertook the Australia Council Arts Governance Program in 2017. Mr Fanning is currently the Group Creative Director for KWP! overseeing the creative output of companies across advertising, production, technology, branding, media, and social media.
Martha Coleman
Ms Coleman brings with her domestic and international experience in both physical and executive production of films and television, which saw her career begin with award-winning film Praise (Fibresci, TIFF, 1999). Ms Coleman’s career led her to become head of development at Icon Entertainment International, then head of creative affairs and executive producer at Newline/EFD in London, followed by head of development for Screen Australia. In returning to producing, Ms Coleman created the production company Revolver which developed film and television projects with eOne, Transmission Films, all3media, the ABC and Stan.
