Director and AFTRS alumna Rachel Perkins will receive the inaugural Animal Logic Entertainment Illuminate Award at the Australians in Film Awards Gala and Benefit in recognition of her work.
Perkins, who completed the Specialist Extension Course Certificate Producing in 1995 has directed major Australian productions including Mystery Road, Total Control, Redfern Now, Jasper Jones, Bran Nue Day, Mabo and more. She founded Blackfella Films, which for over twenty years has created award-winning series’ and features and has become recognised for creating distinctive Australian content.
The award will be presented by alumnus Phillip Noyce, (Certificate in Directing, 1973) at the gala next week in Los Angeles.
On the award, Perkins said: “Thirty years ago, when I was a trainee making my first thirty-second community service advertisement for TV, I secretly aspired to make films that could touch a wide audience. It is such a privilege that I am able to work in this industry I love and contribute to Australia by telling its incredible stories.”
“Rachel Perkins is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented Australian directors of her generation,” said AiF president Kate Marks.
“AiF is thrilled to be presenting this inaugural award to Rachel with long-term partner Animal Logic Entertainment, one of Australia’s leading international production companies.”
Animal Logic CEO Zareh Nalbandian said: “As both an animation studio and production company, we are always looking for ways to celebrate the incredible and often unsung talent that exists behind the camera. In our inaugural year, Animal Logic is proud to recognise Rachel’s prolific career as an acclaimed producer, director and screenwriter. Rachel is a powerful creative leader who has indelibly shaped the landscape of screen arts in Australia and continues to break new ground. Her commitment to telling bold Australian stories that support the growth and sustainability of the local industry is a testament to her passion for Australian film and television. Rachel’s continued innovation across the full spectrum of filmmaking embodies the spirit of this award: lighting a path for a new era of screen content and the people who make it possible.”
The AiF Gala and Benefit will take place in Beverly Hills on Wednesday 23 October.
Via Inside Film Magazine.