Adelaide 14th November 2024
Hon Andrew Robb AO
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great privilege to declare open the 2024 Australia China International Film Festival. The theme of the Film Festival is “Where Dreams Begin”.
In Aboriginal culture, Dreamtime stories began more than 65,000 years ago. They are passed down through generations. They transcend time and form the basis of Aboriginal spirituality, identity and connection to the land.
In Adelaide in 2024 young creatives dreaming their own dreams will have the opportunity to begin writing their own stories and bringing them to life for generations to come through the program and inspiration of events at the Australia China International Film Festival (ACIFF).
The festival transcends mere cinema, serving as a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and collaboration between Australia and China.
I offer a very warm welcome to our audience in Adelaide and beyond – may the films to be showcased here inspire and ignite conversation and collaboration, and in the process strengthen our cultural bonds.
FESTIVAL HISTORY
The Festival’s history began in 2014 with a wonderful inauguration in Brisbane, Australia, and has evolved into a vital platform for aspiring film makers, finding in 2024 its new home in Adelaide, South Australia; a State fittingly known as The Festival State.
SHOWCASED FILMS
The Film Festival has showcased a range of diverse, innovative, creative and high-quality films throughout its history.
It has served as a launch pad for aspiring filmmakers, and a pivotal platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to diverse audiences, industry insiders and media representatives.
Through film screenings at our partner cinemas, Capri Theatre and Piccadilly Cinema, through Q & A sessions, and networking opportunities, filmmakers have the chance to connect with potential distributors, investors, and collaborators, opening doors to wider distribution and future projects.
Collaboration works – when I had the privilege of negotiating and signing the Free Trade Agreement with China 9 years ago, the two way trade between our two countries was $98 billion, today, despite Covid and some political problems two way trade between China and Australia is $330 billion – that is, $98 billion to $330 billion in 9 years.
Furthermore, our Film Festival provides a forum for critical feedback and recognition, with awards and accolades serving as validation of artistic achievement.
FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS
The Festival Awards are open to filmmakers worldwide, involving a rigorous selection process overseen by an international jury.
Our judges will rate films based on predefined criteria including direction, screenplay, acting, cinematography, editing, sound design, overall artistic merit, originality, innovation, cultural relevance and audience appeal to determine the overall Award winners for each category.
The judges Awards cover quite a range of categories and will be the highlight of the closing ceremony.
GUEST COUNTRY: SAUDI ARABIA
Consistent with the international intent of this Film Festival, our guest country in 2024 is Saudi Arabia.
I am delighted to welcome our guest country and recognise the very significant growth and sophistication of Saudi’s film industry.
USD $200M INVESTMENT FUND
The delegation from Saudi Arabia is also highly relevant because an investment fund is to be signed and launched later in this morning’s opening ceremony of the Film Festival.
Already an MOU commitment of US$100 million has been secured from our Saudi partners, and we are looking to raise an additional US$100 million. The fund will primarily focus on the TMT sector (technology, media and entertainment), with a strong emphasis on technology applications.
INVESTMENT ROUNDTABLE
Another important addition to this, the Australia China International Film Festival, is the Southern Cross Creative Investment Roundtable designed to foster meaningful exchanges between emerging talents and established industry players and investors.
The Investment Roundtable is aimed at those who already have a draft work in progress but are seeking financial support to bring it to life.
MASTER CLASS
Another training initiative in the Fesitval’s program is the Film Festival Training Workshop. This master class is aimed at individuals who have a passion for filmmaking and want to learn more to enhance their knowledge and hone their craft.
The workshop provides hands-on instructional guidance to young filmmakers across various dimensions such as directing, writing, producing, cinematography, art direction, sound recording, editing and multi-lingual visual and auditory presentation.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Finally, this Australia China International Film Festival is expected to deliver significant economic, tourism and cultural exchange benefits in Australia, particularly South Australia where the event is being held for the first time.
With projections of attracting up to 5,000 attendees, we are poised to generate economic dividends of around $50 million.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to the filmmakers, sponsors and dedicated team for their tireless efforts and passion in making this event a reality.