A pursuit to produce powerful social impact films has seen Minderoo Pictures beef up its off-screen team as it accelerates global projects amid an anticipated arts revival in Australia.
The WA-based enterprise this week enhanced its production clout with the recruitment of development producer Amanda Clarke and production and development assistant Lata Periakarpan to its cast behind the scenes.
Their appointment follows screen industry leader Malinda Wink's move to the film company last November, shortly after Minderoo received global attention at the Toronto Film Festival for the world premiere of Blueback, based on Tim Winton's acclaimed novella.
Ms Clarke and Ms Periakarpan bring ideas and expertise to Minderoo Pictures, both previously working at Screen Australia and Screenwest, and their appointments follow the federal government's new five-year cultural arts policy Revive: Australia, launched recently to revitalise the nation's bruised arts sector following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The policy's first pillar – First Nations first – will lead to new industry entities charged to provide meaningful opportunities for First Nations artists to find creative opportunities and equality in the arts.
The federal plan was endorsed by Minderoo Foundation Generation One initiative director Shelley Cable for providing meaningful opportunities for First Nations artists.
"To see self-determination at the heart of the policy will allow First Nations artists to take greater control of their work, and improve artistic practises, representation, and career pathways through training and education," she said.
Since launching in 2021 with $10 million of funding, Minderoo Pictures has chased ambitious film projects across the globe it hopes will inspire social awareness and action.
It has backed a new kids film set on Ningaloo Reef, Whale Shark Jack by sister-brother directors Miranda and Khrob Edmonds.
Four other projects in development include collaborations with Oscar-winning director Louie Psihoyos and filmmakers Robert Connolly (The Dry), Michael Cordell (Bondi Rescue) and Maggie Miles (High Ground).
