Seachanged, a film by last year’s Pics and Flicks Gerringong scholarship recipient Regan Anderson, explores a young girl’s change of heart after moving to a seaside town. Photo: Regan Anderson.
For young film creatives in the Kiama and Shoalhaven regions, a new door to the industry is opening.
Thanks to a generous partnership between Screen Illawarra and the Gerringong Pics and Flicks Association, a career kickstart is up for grabs for two aspiring filmmakers.
Two film training scholarships for residents aged 18 to 25 from either the Kiama or Shoalhaven council local government areas can throw their hat in the ring for a $1000 scholarship.
The scholarship will provide $960 for two short courses (one online and one on campus) at the prestigious Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS), and $40 for a one-year membership to Screen Illawarra.
Scholarship recipients will also be invited to produce a short fictional film, to be screened at a Screen Illawarra Networking Event and Gerringong Pics and Flicks’ film night.
The Gerringong Pics and Flicks scholarship started in 2019 as a meaningful way for the association to inject surplus membership funds into the community.
In 2020, the scholarship went into a COVID-induced hibernation, only to be revived by current association member Kathy Richardson in 2024/25.
Wanting to see a tangible return on investment, Kathy introduced a more formal application and feedback loop, which included the impetus to make a short film as a vehicle to hone and showcase their newly learned skills.
“We wanted to motivate people seeking the scholarship to do their film training with a purpose and intention,” she said.
“In their application, we look for evidence that they have thought about the skills they need to strengthen to be able to pursue a career in the industry.”
It’s early days, but the model has already borne fruit.
2024/25 recipient Lleyton Hughes expects to screen his short film on boxing in the second half of 2026, and Seachanged, by fellow recipient Regan Anderson, made its big screen debut at Pics and Flicks in mid-2025.
“Regan had edited out two scenes we’d given feedback on, and shortened the film by four minutes,” Kathy said. “The result was a better quality film … we were all very proud.”
This year, the partnership with Screen Illawarra will provide scholarship recipients more than an update to their portfolio; it offers a seat at the table with seasoned industry pros.
The 2026 awardees will receive mentorship with Screen Illawarra’s Dr Jany Hayes, and a one-hour mentoring interview with Screen Illawarra chair Nick Bolton.
“One sticking point for the Gerringong Pics and Flicks Association is that we’re a screening organisation, we don’t really have the expertise to review a script or a draft film, or to mentor them along the way,” Kathy says.
“That’s where Screen Illawarra comes in. Not only through the mentoring, but the membership gives them access to invaluable networking and education events.
“We want the scholarship to help link these young creators up with the film industry. It’s a great fit, and a more valuable experience for the awardees to be directly involved with an organisation like Screen Illawarra.”
Applications for the Screen Illawarra and the Gerringong Pics and Flicks Association scholarships will close at 5 pm on Friday 29 May. Email applications to [email protected], or for more information, visit Screen Illawarra.
