Media Release

Several Queanbeyan students are spending this week receiving specialised training in film and media production, as well as performance skills in the areas of Hip Hop, MC-ing and DJ-ing.

The students are undertaking the Queanbeyan Indigenous Sound and Vision Project, a five-day intensive workshop for Indigenous youth. The Project, initiated by the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is supported by Metro Screen’s Mobile Unit and the Axis Youth Centre in Queanbeyan.  It is being held in the Axis Youth Centre, Queanbeyan Park, off Campbell Street.  

“Learning skills in film, media and performance production not only gives the students an opportunity to tell their stories in a new way, it sets them on a path to an exciting career. Knowing the value of our audiovisual culture and history, the NFSA is always looking for new young artists whose work can contribute to the richness of our national collection,” says NFSA CEO, Dr Darryl McIntyre, “I am especially pleased this training is for Indigenous students.”

Students will be trained in the performance of Hip Hop, MC-ing and DJ-ing  by local Hip Hop artist Nathan Carter, coordinator of Deadly Xpression.  The students will also be given the opportunity to compose and write music with a focus on exploring Indigenous history and culture.

In tandem with the Hip Hop and MC workshops, the students will have the opportunity to receive training in film and media production. They will produce a short documentary exploring Indigenous history, mentored by Indigenous filmmaker, Darlene Johnson.

Darlene is one of Australia’s most talented and promising Indigenous filmmakers, whose works include Gulpilil: One Red Blood (screened by the ABC, nominated for a Logie and ATOM Award), Crocodile Dreaming (Melbourne International Film Festival 2007, first prize at the WOW Film Festival 2007) and River of No Return (Sydney International Film Festival 2008).

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be awarded a Statement of Attainment for two Units from the NSW accredited Certificate III in Media. The accredited component of the course will be delivered by Metro Screen’s Mobile Training Unit. Students will also present their short documentary and music performance work created as part of the workshop. In addition, selections from the National Film and Sound Archive’s Black Screen compilations will be exhibited.