Indigenous Programs: SPECIAL INITIATIVES

 

Bob Maza Fellowship

2009

Applications for the Bob Maza Fellowship 2009 closed on 4 May 2009. The fellowship is awarded to an established Indigenous actor to further their professional development, provide longevity in their career and raise their profile internationally.

The fellowship must be used for international travel to attend:

• further training or short courses at an international film training institution
• and/or meetings with agents
• and/or attending castings and establishing contacts in the international arena.

The fellowship is sponsored by Screen Australia’s Indigenous Branch to commemorate and celebrate the life and work of Bob Maza, and as a tribute to his passion and commitment to the film and entertainment industry.

Fellowship Amount

$10,000 + international airfare

Deadline

5pm, Monday 4 May 2009
The Fellowship recipient will be announced at the Message Sticks Film Festival on
7 May 2009.

Bob Maza 1939–2000

Throughout his career Bob Maza was a role model and mentor to many Indigenous artists. His charisma and statesmanlike presence always made an impact on the people he came into contact with. Cultural educator, playwright, actor and media entrepreneur, Bob was the first Indigenous AFC Commissioner.

He was instrumental in the formation of Indigenous performing companies like Nindethana and the National Black Theatre. In 1970, Bob was a delegate to the 25th United Nations Assembly in New York to highlight the Third World status of Indigenous Australians. In 1981, he was an official delegate to the World Indigenous Festival held in Canada. His acting credits include the films The Fringe Dwellers, Ground Zero and Reckless Kelly, and his plays include Mereki and The Keepers. In 1993, he was awarded an Order of Australia (AM).

Eligibility

To be eligible for the fellowship you need to be an established Indigenous actor working professionally in the film, television and/or theatre industries. You need to have a proven track record and commitment to the acting profession.

Applicants must fill out Screen Australia’s Bob Maza Fellowship Application Form 2009 in full, and provide everything stated in the form’s checklist.

Funding agreement

The fellowship recipient will be required to enter into a funding agreement with Screen Australia and provide a written report upon completion of the fellowship.

Applications and enquiries can be forwarded to:

Administrator, Indigenous Branch
Screen Australia
GPO Box 3984
Sydney NSW 2001

or delivered to:

Level 4, 150 William St
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Ph: +61 2 8113 5800
Toll Free (available nationally)
1800 213 099

Email: indigenous@screenaustralia.gov.au