Rachel Perkins has been appointed as chair of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) council for a period of three years. She follows previous chairs Russell Howcroft and Debra Richards.

AFTRS is Australia’s leading specialist education, training and research institution, supporting excellence in Australian screen and audio storytelling.

“Rachel is one of Australia’s leading storytellers, particularly when it comes to First Nations stories,” said Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke.

A graduate of AFTRS, writer, director and producer, Perkins founded Blackfella Films. Its recent documentary series “The Australian Wars” won several awards.

WIDE SCREEN WIDER

Indian movie exhibition chain Miraj Cinemas has agreed to install three Imax with Laser systems at key locations across India. The deal is the first between the two companies.

Miraj expects to open the venues in Mumbai in 2024, another in Jaipur, and a third location to be determined at a later date.

Imax had a successful year in India in 2023, setting records in gross revenue. Recent Indian films have also performed well in Imax theaters.

Miraj Cinemas is India’s third-largest exhibitor and plans to expand to 300 screens by the end of the 2024 financial year.

FOURTH FIRST

Screen Australia’s First Nations Department and Instagram Australia have opened the fourth iteration of their First Nations Creators Program to new applicants.

The scheme provides funding and support for First Nations recipients in social media and digital content creation. The program offers training, workshops, mentorship, and funding for content creation.

Each applicant must submit a short video about themselves to apply for the program.