New production Minderoo Pictures to inspire change

Asia-Pacific’s largest philanthropic organisation, Minderoo Foundation, has announced the launch of a social impact film enterprise, to support screen projects that tackle the global challenges championed by the Perth-based philanthropic organisation.

Minderoo Pictures will work with creative teams globally to develop, produce and assist ambitious screen projects that inspire change, with an initial commitment of $10 million.

The first four projects in development will span themes of ocean conservation, plastics and human health and early childhood development in Indigenous communities, including a feature film collaboration between Academy Award winner Louie Psihoyos (The Cove, The Game Changers) and Josh Murphy (Artifishal), Blueback helmed by Robert Connolly (The Dry), Honey Ant Dreamers directed by Michael Cordell (Year of the Dogs, Bondi Rescue) and Emily-Anyupa Butcher and First Born, produced by Workshop TV.

Psihoyos said: “Film is a powerful force for creating social change. We are excited to partner with Minderoo Pictures to create films that can change the world.”

Richard Harris who has more than 20 years’ experience in the film industry having held leadership roles at Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation, is appointed executive producer.

Minderoo Foundation Chairman Andrew Forrest said: “Our initiatives are tackling some of the most significant global challenges, from plastic pollution to modern slavery and cancer research.

“Lasting change doesn’t just happen by itself. To have real impact we must motivate people, companies, and governments to act, to reassess their behaviours or start a movement. This is what we hope to achieve through Minderoo Pictures.”

Minderoo Foundation Co-chair Nicola Forrest said: “The arts enrich our lives and nourish our souls, and they can also be a powerful communication tool.

“Long form storytelling through film speaks to us in a unique way. It has the capacity to cut through, it can create movements for change and even trigger cultural shifts. Minderoo Pictures is seeking projects that will reach new audiences and inspire them to work towards a better, fairer world.”

Executive Producer Richard Harris added: “Minderoo Pictures is an exciting new player in the global impact film space, at a time when there is a burgeoning demand for films with something to say.”

“Minderoo Pictures will be a strategic and active collaborator seeking the best films, the best teams and the best ways to invest across the film value chain, from development through to production and release. At its heart, Minderoo Foundation believes in the transformative power of the arts to change the world. Minderoo Pictures will work to cut through and inspire global change.”