Peter Garrett MP
Member for Kingsford Smith
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Reconciliation and the Arts

“Congratulations to all the winners of the seventh annual Lexus IF (Inside Film) Awards especially John Hillcoat and Nick Cave for ‘The Proposition’,” Labor Spokesman for the Arts, Peter Garrett, said today. “The success of the awards and the depth of talent on show is further evidence of a very welcome mini-renaissance of the Australian film industry.”

Attending the awards ceremony last night, where he presented the Glenfiddich Independent Spirit IF Award to Wayne Coles-Janess for his documentary In the Shadow of the Palms, Mr Garrett said, “There remains a clear need for enhanced government attention to the industry, as box office figures are much lower than should be the case for Australian-made films.”

“This important industry urgently requires additional support, including funding for expanded marketing and the provision of a more attractive framework for leveraging private investment if we are to have a successful and growing film sector.”

“I was particularly pleased to present the independent documentary maker, Wayne Coles-Janess, with the Glenfiddich Independent Spirit IF Award for his documentary In the Shadow of the Palms.”

“This is a considerable effort given the documentary has only been shown in Perth, despite being screened at a number of prestigious film festivals all over the world and gaining considerable overseas attention and acclaim.”

Contact: Andrew Palfreyman