Now in its second year, the Deutsche Bank Fellowship is a grant for Australian First Nations film creatives launched by Sydney Film Festival and Deutsche Bank in 2021.

The winning Fellow in 2022 will be awarded a $20,000 grant to further develop their skills through international placement or other professional development.

The Fellowship is an important investment in developing and nurturing the talents of local creatives and enhancing global awareness of Australia’s vibrant First Nations filmmaking talent.

Sydney Film Festival encourages all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander film creatives who have already started a career in any discipline within the film and television industry, and who are currently based in Australia, to apply.

Applications are welcomed from eligible craftspersons, screenwriters, producers, directors and actors with a proven track record in their chosen field.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss their proposal.

Applications for the 2022 Fellowship have closed.

The successful candidate will be selected by a panel of key industry personnel, and the Fellowship will be awarded at the 69th Sydney Film Festival, which will take place 8-19 June 2022.

For any questions, please contact Lisa Kitching at fellowship@sff.org.au.

2021 RECIPIENT

Last year, filmmaker Darlene Johnson was the inaugural recipient of the Deutsche Bank Fellowship for First Nations Film Creatives.

Johnson’s credits include River of No Return (SFF 2008); The Redfern Story (SFF 2014), nominated for the Documentary Australia Foundation Award; and Bluey (SFF 2015), winner of the Event Cinema Australian Short Screenplay Award. Working with Aquarius Films, Darlene’s 2021 Fellowship allowed her to undertake a producer/director attachment with Aquarius Films, where she is working with Jocelyn Moorhouse as 2nd Unit Director on her latest feature film. Darlene is also using the opportunity to develop and produce her own concept for TV.

Watch Darlene Johnson, Deutsche Bank Australia CEO Glenn Morgan and SFF Director Nashen Moodley reflect on the 2021 Fellowship announcement in the video below.