Bob Maza Fellowship

2011

Applications are now open for the Bob Maza Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to an established Indigenous actor or film practitioner to further their professional development, provide longevity in their career and raise their profile internationally.

The fellowship must be used for international travel to attend:

• further training or short courses at an international film training institution
• and/or meetings with agents
• and/or attending castings and establishing contacts in the international arena.

The fellowship is sponsored by Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department to commemorate and celebrate the life and work of Bob Maza, and as a tribute to his passion and commitment to the film and entertainment industry.

Fellowship amount

$10,000

Deadline

5pm, Friday 29 April 2011

The fellowship recipient will be announced at the Message Sticks Film Festival in May 2011.

Bob Maza 1939–2000

Throughout his career Bob Maza was a role model and mentor to many Indigenous artists. His charisma and statesmanlike presence always made an impact on the people he came into contact with. Cultural educator, playwright, actor and media entrepreneur, Bob was the first Indigenous AFC Commissioner.

He was instrumental in the formation of Indigenous performing companies like Nindethana and the National Black Theatre. In 1970, Bob was a delegate to the 25th United Nations Assembly in New York to highlight the Third World status of Indigenous Australians. In 1981, he was an official delegate to the World Indigenous Festival held in Canada. His acting credits include the films The Fringe Dwellers, Ground Zero and Reckless Kelly, and his plays include Mereki and The Keepers. In 1993, he was awarded an Order of Australia (AM).

Eligibility

• Only individuals may apply.
• Applicants must be established Indigenous actors or screen practitioners working professionally in the film, television and/or theatre industries.
• Applicants must have a proven track record and commitment to the acting or filmmaking profession.
• Funding cannot be retrospective.

Applicants must also meet the general eligibility requirements set out in Screen Australia's Terms of Trade.

Applicants must fill out Screen Australia’s Bob Maza Fellowship Application Form 2011 in full, and provide everything stated in the form’s checklist.

Assessment criteria

When assessing applications for this program, Screen Australia uses the following criteria:

• The skills, experience and track record of the applicant, and the quality of their previous work
• Where relevant, the reputation and track record of the agents, or the quality and reputation of the international course
• The strategic career benefit to the applicant
• The potential wider benefits to the Australian industry.

Funding agreement

The fellowship recipient will be required to enter into a funding agreement with Screen Australia and provide a written report upon completion of the fellowship. Funding will not be given until the fellowship recipient provides proof of acceptance into courses or agents meetings.

Applications and enquiries can be forwarded to:

Indigenous Department
Screen Australia
GPO Box 3984
Sydney NSW 2001

or delivered to:

Level 4, 150 William St
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

Ph: +61 2 8113 5800
Toll Free (available nationally): 1800 213 099

Email: indigenous@screenaustralia.gov.au