SPARK 2020 recipients, The Darwin International Film Festival
SPARK 2020 recipients
DIFF and Screen Territory are proud to announce the selection of five Territory-based production teams for the Spark Film Initiative.Congratulations to all involved!
The films are set to premiere in May 2021 during DIFF 2020: Take Two
 | Desert Metal DreamingDir. Nicholas (Pirate) Rossiter, Mara Jean Quinn | Prod. Pirate, Chili Films
Southeast Desert Metal are taking Arrernte culture to the world Chris Wallace is the softly spoken frontman of the loudest band in the desert. His band Southeast Desert Metal are about to hit the big time. From humble beginnings in Santa Teresa community, to sold out shows around the country, they are putting Arrernte culture in the spotlight.
Pictured: Nicholas (Pirate) Rossiter |
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 | Narraku Ngama, Narraku Waku (My Mother, My Daughter)Dir. Nevanka McKeon | Prod. Danielle MacLean, Nevanka McKeon
Three generations of Yolngu women’s unwavering determination to keep ancient culture and language strong keeps them strong and connected too. Pictured: Nevanka McKeon |  | Poleng (Working Title)Dir. Naina Sen | Prod. Naina Sen
Told through contemporary movement and Balinese dance, Poleng is a hybrid documentary and dance film that explores the simultaneous presence and absence of inter generational relationships as Jocelyn Tribe tries to understand her bi racial identity as an adult. Pictured: Naina Sen |
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 | The Day of a Darwin DancerDir. Penelope Paton | Prod. Phillip Tarl Denson
We follow the struggles and triumphs of Darwin choreographer Gary Lang and his relationship with his lead dancer Cathy Young as NT Dance Company prepare for their end of year performance. Pictured: Penelope Paton |
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 | Uncle VicDir. Emma Masters | Prod. Weave Films
Nothing gets between Vic Ludwig and his love of football - especially his age. The 92-year-old’s dedication to the game and his beloved St Mary’s Football Club has earned him the title of the longest-ever serving club president in the history of the Australian football. These days, the godfather of the green and gold has a renewed passion - inspiring junior players to focus on being a winner in life as much as one on the field. Pictured: Emma Masters |
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Since 2017, the initiative has supported the production of 13 original short films which have premiered at DIFF, quickly becoming one of the festival’s most anticipated event.
The films produced this year will also receive national exposure thanks to ABC joining the initiative as broadcast partner.
In accordance with this year’s selection criteria, each team has attached a local musician to produce the soundtrack, and the stories will link to the theme ”Intergenerational relationships”.
SPARK is a joint initiative between DIFF and Screen Territory.
