Spark Film Initiative 2023, The Darwin International Film Festival
Spark Film Initiative 2023
The Spark Film Initiative began as a project of the of the Darwin Film Society. The inaugural Spark program took place during the 2016 Darwin International Film Festival. Screen Territory have taken on management and funding of Spark for the 2023 festival edition. Special thanks goes out to the Spark Sponsors: Panavision, Global Headquarters, Panafreight, The Post Lounge, Trackdown, Subsonic, Screen Producers Australia and Brindle Films.
THE FILMS
Rust
Directed by Phillip Tarl Denson
Produced by Will Tinnapple, Phillip Tarl Denson
DOP Jacob Hazeldine
After another argument with her long-suffering dad, 15-year-old Xanthe storms out of the house and stumbles upon a rusted-out old robot in the bush. Balancing humour, drama and heartbreak, Rust proves that making new friends isn’t always easy – even when you have an instruction manual.
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First Drop
Directed and written by Damon Van Der Schuit
Produced by Emma Smith, Bridget May
DOP Shane Mulcahy
Set in Alice Springs, Ted, a reclusive and bitter retiree is tasked with caring for his Pakistani neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter, Saleha. After attempts to limit his engagement with Saleha, Ted’s defences are broken down as he realises the two share a mutual love of cricket. Thus begins the blossoming of an unlikely friendship.
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Fiasco
Directed & written by Thomas Midena
Produced by Lexie Gregory
DOP Leigh Bramall
It's the end of the world and everyone knows it. Determined to uphold a sense of order, Zara drags her parents to the high school's last concert. But emotions run high, and when nothing goes as planned, Zara is forced to embrace the chaos.
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Hephaestion
Directed by Samantha Alexis Laughton
Produced & written by Sean Guy
DOP Jacob Hazeldine
Two actors meet in a tent to discuss a film they are working on; a younger man playing Hephaestion, and a more mature one playing Alexander the Great. As the thespians dissect their roles Hephaestion argues against the use of 'friendship' as a label to hide genuine romance.
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THE CREATIVES
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Phillip Tarl Denson |
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Will Tinnapple |
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Jacob Hazeldine |
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Bridget May |
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Damon Van Der Schuit |
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Emma Smith |
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Sean Guy |
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Samantha Alexis Laughton |
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Lexie Gregory |
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Thomas Midena |
