The McGowan Government has provided Screenwest with a $7.7 million Lotterywest grant to help the local film and television industry continue to grow and prosper.
This important investment will help Screenwest support the development and production of significant Western Australian feature films, TV series, documentaries, short films, web series, interactive projects and film festivals – some of which will be showing in cinemas this year.
How To Please A Woman is a locally written, produced and directed feature film shot in Fremantle and Perth. It highlights iconic locations such as Leighton Beach and screened to a sold-out season at Somerville for Perth Festival Lotterywest Films 2022.
Facing Monsters is a feature length documentary that digs deep into the psyche of enigmatic Western Australian ‘slab wave’ surfer Kerby Brown, showcasing WA’s stunning coastline.
Other productions being supported include Mystery Road: Origin – the third season of the acclaimed ABC series; Ningaloo with Tim Winton – a major three-part documentary; Shipwreck Hunters Australia – the first Australian documentary for Disney Plus; and Our Law – a six-part documentary series for National Indigenous TV (NITV).
The funding will also support two local film festivals – CinefestOZ 2022, based in the South-West and Great Southern regions, and the Revelation Perth International Film Festival 2022.
This investment will allow Screenwest to continue to support Western Australian screen industry practitioners to grow their capability and capacity through various funding programs.
The State Government has been the principal partner of Screenwest for over 25 years, providing more than $130 million in support via Lotterywest grants. This is in addition to new screen investments announced in the 2021-22 State Budget, including $105 million towards a state-of-the-art screen production facility and $20 million to attract screen productions to Western Australia.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“WA’s local screen industry punches well above its weight – producing some incredible film and TV over the years.
“Screenwest is a key part of our filmmaking industry and my Government is delighted to provide this important support, which will help filmmakers tell more unique Western Australian stories.
“The creative industries create local jobs and add to the vibrancy of our communities, while showcasing our great State around the country and the world.”
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The McGowan Government is committed to the creative industries as a key economic driver and job creator.
“We also recognise the tremendous value of the arts for our community, particularly during these challenging times.
“Supporting our passionate creatives through this Screenwest funding, in turn, allows our screen industry to produce more high-quality work which showcases our unique Western Australian landscapes and stories.”
