The South Australian Film Corporation has launched the third round of its First Nations Short Film Program.

The initiative supports the careers of Indigenous South Australian filmmakers through script development, mentoring and the opportunity to gain above-the-line short film credits.

Through the program up to five South Australian Indigenous creatives will be selected to develop a short film script from early concept to polished final draft, with support through industry mentoring, feedback sessions and an intensive scriptwriting workshop.

Applications for Phase 1 of the program, the Script Development Initiative, are now open, which will be delivered in partnership with The Mercury.

The partnership builds on the successes of The Mercury's established script and industry development initiatives for emerging filmmakers, which are backed by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

"We are excited to launch a new round of the SAFC's First Nations Short Film Program and to be partnering with The Mercury for this script development phase, given their expertise in supporting emerging filmmakers," South Australian Film Corporation Head of First Nations, Kirstie Parker, said.

"Short films are a proven pathway to longer form projects, and the SAFC is proud to support targeted development opportunities which better position and champion First Nations people to take their stories to audience around the world via screen."

Launched in 2022, the first two rounds of the program have supported the development and production of six short films while boosting the careers of seven South Australian First Nations creatives.

They include: director Edoardo Crismani and writer/producer Tammy Zweck-Coleman for Black Time, White Time; writer/director Adam Jenkins for The Getaway; writer/director Travis Akbar for Tambo; writer/director Lilla Berry for The Secret; writer/director Josh Barbo for Digital Abyss; and writer/director Dylan Coleman for Catchin' Mumoo.

The Mercury CEO, Sarah Lancaster, said her organisation is thrilled to partner with the SAFC to support the next generation of the state's First Nations storytellers.

"This story development program builds on the Mercury's establiSshed script and industry initiatives supporting up-and-coming filmmakers and deepens our investment in South Australian storytelling," Ms Lancaster said.

"Dedicated time, mentoring and craft support at the early-career stage doesn't just strengthen a script - it creates foundations to build lasting careers.

"Creating genuine pathways for local filmmakers is something we're deeply passionate about, and we're proud to help First Nations creatives take this next step."

Applications for the Script Development Initiative are open until 20 August.

To assist potential applicants learn more about the program, the SAFC and The Mercury are hosting a virtual Q&A session on Thursday 30 July.

Registrations for the session can be made online.