Three Indigenous South Australian writer/directors have entered production on new short films as part of the South Australian Film Corporation's First Nations Short Film Program.
'Digital Abyss' by Joshua Barbo, 'The Secret' by Lilla Berry, and 'Catchin' Mumoo' by Dylan Coleman were developed during the program's first phase in 2024.
Seven writers participated in script development workshops, mentoring, and one-on-one sessions with industry experts to refine their concepts into final scripts.
Yuwaalaraay woman and head of First Nations at the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), Kristie Parker, said it was exciting to see the filmmakers advance their projects.
"How thrilling it is to see Joshua Barbo, Dylan Coleman, Lilla Berry and their teams take their short films from concept to script and now into production," she said.
"As they journey on, all three can be assured that their fellow First Nations creatives, the SAFC and the broader screen sector are cheering them on, and their films will be important additions to the national wellspring of story and inspiration.
"We look forward to working with these incredible emerging filmmakers to help facilitate the next steps for their exciting new short films, which are all currently in the final stages of production."
Each project received $45,000 in production funding from the SAFC.
Producers include Travis Akbar, Piri Eddy, and Gregory Read.
'Digital Abyss' follows a grieving mother haunted by the death of her son, who clings to his memory through mysterious late-night calls, only to find her desire to reconnect leads her deeper into deception.
It is written and directed by Whadjuk Noongar screen practitioner Joshua Barbo, with Wongutha producer Travis Akbar attached.
'The Secret' centres on Sadie, who alone and ashamed, grapples with the weight of her choice as she endures an abortion at home.
It marks the directorial debut of Yankunytjatjara woman Lilla Berry, produced by award-winning screenwriter and producer Piri Eddy.
'Catchin' Mumoo' tells the story of a seven-year-old boy who, when a Great White shark keeps taking his fisherman father's catch, rows out to sea to catch it himself.
The film is written and directed by Kokatha/Greek filmmaker Dylan Coleman and produced by Gregory Read of Paper Bark Films.
The inaugural round of the program in 2023 supported five Indigenous creatives, including writer/producer Tammy Coleman-Zweck and director Edoardo Crismani for Black Time, White Time; writer/director Adam Jenkins for The Getaway; and writer/director Travis Akbar and producer Wayne Campbell for Tambo.
Their films premiered at SXSW Sydney 2023 and screened at the Adelaide Film Festival.
South Australian Film Corporation CEO Kate Croser congratulated the filmmakers.
"We know that the most important thing for writers, directors and producers to get their shot at working professionally in the industry is through gaining credits and developing their craft through short films," Ms Croser said.
"The SAFC is proud to support these exciting First Nations South Australian filmmakers to develop their distinctive voices, stories and industry skills."