AACTA Pitch: Charging Creativity
This marks the second year that MINI has supported the next generation of filmmakers, with MINI and AACTA collaborating in 2019 to deliver AACTA Pitch: Forever Unexpected presented by MINI. The competition saw winner Loani Arman bring her short film OUR GREATEST ESCAPE to life, and she is now in development on a TV Series with a prominent Australian production company off the back of her success.
"Last year’s AACTA Pitch collaboration with MINI showcased just how creative and determined this new generation of filmmakers are – traits that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of MINI," said AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella. "We are proud to be able to provide meaningful support for these filmmakers as they take the next big steps in their careers, and at a time when development opportunities for emerging creatives in Australia is of great significance."
AACTA Pitch: Charging Creativity celebrates the launch of the MINI Electric Hatch, and is the first of three next generation AACTA initiatives that MINI will be supporting in 2020. Each initiative aims to nurture, empower and shine the spotlight on Australia’s emerging screen creatives.
Five finalists from across Australia pitched their short film concepts to the esteemed judging panel, announcing Sunny Grace (TRIGGER HAPPY, DIK), the winner of AACTA Pitch: Charging Creativity presented by MINI.
Sunny’s winning concept CHARGING, a piece about creatively rising to the challenges of an isolating household. She explains “The manifesto inspired me to explore the idea of humans using creativity to be more innovative and to make us more sustainable. I got thinking about the word Charging, which lead me to its colloquial use in Surfie lingo to mean to ‘go for it’, and waves as a source of power. Surfies’ are also synonymous with environmental activism and by combining these elements, I came up with the idea of a dyslexic Dad trying to teach his daughter the old school way during COVID homeschooling and the struggles they faced.”
Sunny received
- $5,000 cash
- $15,000 towards the production of their short film
- A complimentary MINI Electric Hatch vehicle for the duration of the shoot
- Tickets to the 2020 AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel
- Invaluable feedback and mentoring opportunities with the judging panelists
ALEX’S PERFECT DAY | Sam Rankin, Rachel Wilson and Vanessa Cox | Melbourne
A daughter plans the perfect day for her family on the last day of school holidays.
CHARGING | Sunny Grace | Regional NSW
When Jasmine and her father, Dean, and themselves overwhelmed by homeschooling, Dean realises there is more than one way to teach physics, resulting in an unexpected father-daughter bonding session.
DAD JOKES | Andrew Burkitt, Jack Braddy and Xavier Nathan | Melbourne
When struggling comedian Nick can’t seem to live up to his father’s legendary comic shadow, he is pushed to the limits by iconic Australian comedian Shaun Wood to break away from the constant monotony that plagues his sets and take the bold jump into something personal, authentic and entirely unique.
LIFE LESSONS | Mandy Keulen | Adelaide
A mild-mannered teen desperately wanting to ask his love interest to the Graduation Ball but he doesn’t have a car or a license!
SPARKS | Katia Mancuso | Melbourne
Following the life of Alya from early childhood to high school, we get a glimpse of an unapologetically creative soul constantly trying to find her spark, and herself, through the tough times in her life.
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Writer, Producer and award winning film critic Margaret Pomeranz AM
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Award-wining producer Michele Bennett
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Winner of AACTA Pitch: Forever Unexpected presented by MINI
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AACTA Award winning producer John Molloy
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