Logline: The Indigenous Script to Screen Initiative is calling for stories from the Kulin Nation – either as a member of the Kulin Nation: the Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Taungurong, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wathaurong OR from any other mobs who call the Kulin Nation home. Up to $4000 of production support. Read on.

Deadline: Submissions are now open and will remain so until the 15th of June. To submit, send your script or a one-page treatment to info@mim.org.au with the subject line ‘Script to Screen’.

Interview: Cory Corbett, Made in Melbourne Film Festival

Cory (that's me) Corbett is an actor who has starred in numerous feature and short films as well as theatre pieces. This year I've gratefully accepted my new role as Assistant Director of the Made in Melbourne Film Festival, which includes overseeing the Script to Screen Initiative.

About MIM: Now in our eighth year, the Made In Melbourne Film Festival continues to grow, offering fantastic prizes to filmmakers and ‘wow’-worthy films to our audiences.

1. What is the Script to Screen Initiative?

MIM has a strong history of supporting local filmmakers and there has been an incredible diversity of talent showcased at our festival. Yet, never before have we featured a film by an indigenous filmmaker... Script to Screen's main purpose is to address this issue, taking a script or story idea by an indigenous filmmaker and helping to turn it into a film. MIM will effectively produce it so all the costs are covered and the film WILL premiere at MIM 2016!

2. Who’s supporting it and why?

In short, the funds are coming from Threecatsinlimbo Productions, ($1000 in-kind support for equipment needs) and Made In Melbourne, ($3000 from the City of Melbourne Grant, received in order to run the festival). At the moment, I am in discussions with various others as we look for more support to help get this initiative off the ground.

3. Can you tell us a little about the clip? Who’s in it?

Yes, the script for the clip, I wrote. I wanted to encourage indigenous writers and directors: I wanted to speak directly to them, so I asked some great talent I know. They just so happen to be Walpiri, Gurindji and Trawlwoolway. Oh and a Serbo-Albanian who happens to do some great PR work for the festival!

Script to Screen Initiative - Made in Melbourne Film Festival.

4. What are the requirements?

- You must be aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander.

- Your script (or idea) must be no longer than 10 minutes.- You must be a writer or director and ready to have your film Made InMelbourne.

5. What type of feedback have you received so far about this award?

So far the feedback is all positive. Having launched the initiative on the 19th of April, I'm looking forward to more feedback as we would like this initiative to become a regular of the Made in Melbourne circuit.

6. What type of impact would you like this award to have?

Multiple impacts, but overall to inspire indigenous filmmakers to submit their films in the local market more often so as to have a bigger impact on the wider populace that call Melbourne home.

7. Lastly, what’s a key question that will help spark a debate about award?

Can you name another indigenous tribe from North America: Sioux, Cherokee … ?

Can you name name 4 Australian tribes? Hint; there are three in this interview? For most non-indigenous this, I think, proves we need to raise awareness of over 250 different language groups on this land mass alone.