Applications for this EOI closed on 17 October 2021

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female-identifying audiovisual creatives to produce a new original work using the NFSA’s vast, digitised collection. The work will provide your personal answer to the question: 'Who Are We Now?'.

This is an opportunity to work closely with NFSA curatorial and technical experts, using our digital collection to create an audiovisual product that offers an authentic and contemporary vision of Australia. 

Applications for the $25,000 commission are invited until midnight on 17 October 2021.

For more information, email: UKAUSTEOI@nfsa.gov.au and read the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Download RE/Vision expression of interest 

Download RE/Vision application form

A first for the NFSA

The RE/Vision project is supported by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts.

The NFSA’s Indigenous Connections co-chair, Catherine Liddle, says: ‘This is a first for the NFSA, opening the digital collection to commission a new work to connect with domestic and international audiences. What an opportunity for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander creative to produce a work that could inspire, provoke and give an international voice to our culture and challenge how we see ourselves today.’

‘I encourage female Indigenous filmmakers and audiovisual creatives to apply for this commission, and explore new ways of interpreting both the national collection and Australian history.’

The work will premiere internationally in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) in the UK, and domestically in Canberra at the NFSA’s Arc Cinema. The complete piece will then be brought into the NFSA collection, and made available to the public.

The NFSA Head of Collection, Jacqui Uhlmann, says: ‘We’re excited to celebrate the national audiovisual collection through storytelling, in all its forms and expressions.

‘Our aim is to ensure the collection represents a multitude of voices, allowing us to reflect on our heritage with honesty and authenticity. We want this work to foster discussion and to facilitate a fresh interpretation of Australia’s audiovisual heritage, told from the perspective of an Indigenous filmmaker. I can’t wait to  see who is selected for this work, and to experience the end creation.’

FAQs

Can I use any digital material in the NFSA collection?

Some material in the collection will be subject to cultural or other sensitivities and most material is subject to rights clearances. You will need to follow best practice protocols and procedures for collection material but the NFSA curators and rights and licensing team will be able to assist and guide you with this.

What happens if I can’t travel because of international health guidelines or restrictions?

We will always follow the health advice of the day. There will be no obligation to travel if the government advice is not in support of travel or if it puts the traveller at risk.

Can I include purpose-shot or recorded content?

Yes, however the NFSA is not able to supply equipment, personnel or budget to support purpose-recorded material. The completion date for the work is final.

What if I want to include some of my personal home movies or other content?

Material may be considered for inclusion in the NFSA collection and, if selected and digital, it could then become part of the work. This process will take time so needs to be considered early in the project and we will negotiate it on a case-by-case basis.

Can I collaborate with other creatives?

We are open to discussing this, bearing in mind that a maximum of $25,000 is available in the grant offering.

What will happen to my finished work – can I enter it into festivals and other events?

The NFSA, as producer, will work with you for the first 12 months after the BFI screening to maximise screening of the completed work at festivals or on other platforms. The Intellectual Property will remain with you, however the work will be licensed to the NFSA under our Deed of Gift arrangement.

How much NFSA collection material should be included in the application and in the final work?

You won’t need to identify all material at the application stage but should be able to offer some evidence of researching the collection to show that there is material that has inspired, or can be used for, your project. A curatorial team will support the successful applicant in researching the collection to locate content for the final work.