The Screen Industry in the Northern Territory is growing, with exciting new productions and professional development that will create jobs and strengthen the local economy.
$450,000 has been allocated by the Territory Labor Government to the feature film Honey Ant Dreamers, through the Screen Territory Production Attraction Incentive Program.
To be filmed entirely in the Northern Territory in 2024, it’s expected to inject nearly $2 million into the local economy across employment, goods and services.
Showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Central Australia, filming will take place in Papunya, the MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs.
The film tells the story behind the birth of the Western Desert Art Movement and is co-written and co-directed by Pitjantjara and Warlpiri woman Anyupa Emily Napangarti Butcher.
US actor and comedian Steve Martin, who is also an avid collector of Indigenous art is a co-executive producer and has consulted heavily on script development, with Executive Producer Michael Cordell and Producer Maggie Miles.
It comes as Darwin gears up to host the NT Screen Summit this weekend, an event bringing together over 100 screen professionals for two days of development, creativity and innovation.
Presented by Screen Territory, the summit is aimed at upskilling those already working in the screen industry, those considering a career in screen and game developers.
The free two day event features an impressive list of senior Australian screen industry practitioners including actor Hugo Weaving and producer Al Clark, both known for Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Representatives from major studios will also present, detailing the essential elements for success in funding and commissioning projects, while there are also animation and gaming sessions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry, Nicole Manison:
“It is fantastic to see more major productions happening right here in the Northern Territory, we have an abundance of talent and we are keen to grow the sector further.
“Filming Honey Ant Dreamers in the Red Centre will have significant benefits for the local community, not only showcasing the area as a vibrant and enticing destination but highlighting the Papunya art movement.
“Supporting our screen industry has a knock on effect for the Territory economy, supporting local jobs and growing an industry crucial to our economy.”
Quotes attributable to co-writer and co-director Anyupa Butcher:
“This story is both ancient and current. Local and global. Our art started in the sand, the rocks, the very formation of Australia.
Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art was pioneered because of the innovative, radical, and entrepreneurial thinking of the Painting Men in Papunya who wanted to keep their culture alive in the era of assimilation.
“These painters shared a vision of maintaining cultural laws while sharing our unique collectives of cultures from Papunya to the world.”
Quotes attributable to actor Steve Martin:
“I am honoured to be a part of this exciting and valuable project. It presents a little known yet powerful story to a waiting world.”
Quotes attributable to Director, Screen Territory Jennie Hughes:
“We’re thrilled to welcome so many internationally renowned leaders to our NT Screen Summit this year. The calibre of presenters reinforces the Territory’s position as an attractive place to produce screen projects.
“Held on the final weekend of the Darwin International Film Festival, we hope that the summit ignites opportunities, fuels collaborations, and speaks to the remarkable trajectory that our local industry has had over the last few years.”
Northern Territory Government
