SAFC furthers Reconciliation strategy

The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) is today launching the second stage of its Reconciliation Action Plan.

Administered through Reconciliation Australia, the strategy sets out practical actions to drive contribution to reconciliation, both internally and in the communities in which it operates, through the development of meaningful relationships and opportunities for First Nations peoples.

The SAFC’s RAP, titled “Innovate”, details the agency’s ongoing commitment to developing long-term, beneficial and reciprocal partnerships with First Nations peoples and communities in the screen industry, and supporting and amplifying the extraordinary stories and creative voices of South Australia’s First Nations screen sector.

The agency’s previous Reflect RAP included the launch of Centralised, supporting First Nations filmmakers and screen creatives in South Australia and the Northern Territory; Deadly Family Portraits, an ABC iview documentary series by South Australian First Nations filmmakers; the establishment of the SAFC’s first First Nations Screen Strategy Committee; and the recent appointment of the SAFC’s First Nations Industry Development Executive, as well as a raft of free training and upskilling workshops and development opportunities across Adelaide and regional South Australia.

SAFC CEO Kate Croser said, “The SAFC has a long history of highlighting First Nations voices and supporting First Nations stories on screen, and as an organisation with storytelling of all cultures at its heart, we recognise reconciliation as one of the most important and pressing social issues of our time.

“Our Reflect RAP set a roadmap for the SAFC to begin our reconciliation journey and laid the foundations for our organisational approach to reconciliation. Now we continue that journey with this Innovate RAP to advance reconciliation not just within the screen sector in South Australia, but also outside state borders through our projects, programs and initiatives.

“South Australia’s First Nations communities are bursting with incredible screen talent, and through initiatives such as our First Nations Screen Strategy, within the important context of reconciliation, the SAFC will continue to bring their stories and voices to the fore.”

SAFC First Nations Screen Strategy Executive Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin said, “At the SAFC we walk side by side with First Nations peoples to tell their stories on screen. We believe that, through creative expression, truth-telling will educate, build forgiveness and understanding while unburdening us from our past.

“We proudly look to a future of reconciliation where there is greater visibility for First Nations peoples, cultures and stories in work created by First Nations screen practitioners, and where the unique perspectives, wisdom and stories of Australia’s First Nations continuing cultures are shared and celebrated on screen for audiences across Australia and the world.”

SA Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni added, “I commend the SAFC for launching the second phase of their Reconciliation Action Plan. The RAP underlines the work the SAFC has demonstrated over many years in amplifying the voices of Indigenous South Australians, and this process shows real leadership for the sector.”

SAFC’s new First Nations Screen Strategy will be launched later this year.