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NAIDOC Week Spotlight: Tyler Petersen-Dix

12 July 2024

Every year the South Australian Film Corporation celebrates NAIDOC Week by highlighting the work of First Nations screen creatives living and working in South Australia.

This year we are showcasing seven First Nations South Australian creatives who are currently in the midst of writing original short film scripts as part of phase one of the SAFC’s First Nations Short Film Program.

The program is well underway, with the writers participating in an intensive weekend workshop last month with experienced First Nations filmmakers and mentors Pauline Clague, Dena Curtis and Aaron Fa’aoso, and experienced producer Paul Ryan of Adelaide Studios based 57 Films.

Once their polished scripts are completed each writer will be eligible to team up with a director and producer to apply for phase two of the program, and have the opportunity to take their short film into production.

Find out more about the First Nations Short Film Program here.

In this article we meet emerging First Nations creative Tyler Petersen-Dix.

How did you get started in the screen industry?

I have a family of film and TV connoisseurs, so they have given me a big education (or vocation, as I like to call it) in everything from Westerns and documentaries to sci-fi, dramas, comedies, and more. This exposure has fuelled my passion for film and my desire to become a writer/director, which began around the age of 14 or 15.

I got my real start when I was invited by another First Nations creator who had been engaged with the SAFC to come and see what it’s all about. This invitation led me to attend several SAFC events, including the Industry Networking Coffee Mornings, SA Game Exhibition (SAGE), SA Screen Industry Careers Day, and the Monica Davidson Business Leadership workshops.

Through these events I developed a working relationship with the SAFC and SAFC First Nations Industry Development Executive Tyme Childs, who works to connect First Nations screen creatives to different opportunities and initiatives. This eventually resulted in applying and being shortlisted for phase one of the First Nations Short Film Program, where I am developing my script idea into a script ready for screen. Through this program, I’ve been able to connect with many talented individuals along the way.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from the SAFC’s First Nations Short Film Program so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from the program is the importance of mastering the fundamentals. These basics are crucial because they provide a foundation you can always rely on in the future.

I am particularly grateful to our mentors Pauline Clague, Dena Curtis, and Aaron Fa’Aoso for working with us on honing these skills during the weekend workshop.

What can you tell us about the script you’re working on? What has inspired you?

The core of my idea is to create a story in which viewers can find at least one relatable element. From there, I developed the script and built my pitch to SAFC for the short film, set in the location where I grew up. While I prefer to keep the details under wrapped, I can share that the film falls into the sci-fi/drama genre.

What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?

To me, NAIDOC Week is about coming together once a year and attending various events over the week to reconnect with people we might not be able to see during our busy working lives. NAIDOC Week provides us with time for gathering, learning, and growth.

Read our other 2024 NAIDOC Week Spotlight articles on emerging Ngarrindjeri creative Leesha ColeWongutha, Mirning, Barngarla, Ndaju, Gubrun and Bulang creative Shania RichardsWhadjuk Noongar creative Joshua Barbo, Kokatha Aboriginal/Greek creative Dylan Coleman and Arabana and Mudbura Warlpiri creative Colleen Raven Strangways.

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