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AFI approves Australian Academy revamp

The Australian Film Institute has confirmed that it will launch an ‘Australian Academy’ as the AFI Awards shift to late January.

The Australian Film Institute (AFI) has confirmed that it will launch an ‘Australian Academy’ following a 12 month review and industry support for change.

84% of screen industry members surveyed supported the change which will see the AFI Awards shift from early December to late January, as part of an international awards season.

One of the key changes to take place under the as-yet-unnamed Academy is the establishment of an “Honorary Council” consisting of key industry members, including representatives from each of the crafts and Guilds. It will explore new ways to identify and recognise excellence in each industry craft, and increase the prestige of the Awards.

AFI CEO Damian Trewhella says, “By drawing on international models, we anticipate greater recognition both here and abroad for Australia’s most talented screen practitioners. We envisage that this will lead to greater opportunities for those working in the industry, as well as greater audience recognition and connection with Australian screen content.”

Trewhella also confirmed that the AFI would retain its name and all past AFI Awards nominees and winners will be recognised under the new Academy.

AFI Chair, Alan Finney said, “A key driver behind the proposed Academy and Honorary Council  is a desire to be inclusive of and to better represent all screen professions. Ultimately we want to foster a community which connects those working within the industry, but which also connects our screen enthusiast public with the industry and the fantastic content being creating.”

Now in its 53rd year, the AFIs will next be staged at the Sydney Opera House.

5 Responses

  1. Early Feb. would be better if they want t be screened when the ratings have returned – if they think they can become ” Prime Time Ratings Worthy”!?!

  2. This is great news.

    and to @Secret Squirrel “The Logies can continue as the teen-driven but ultimately irrelevant populist naff ”

    Love it…take that TV Weak!

  3. Excellent news. i said in the survey that I think that they should establish themselves as the premier awards for both film and television in this country, with categories voted on by those in the industry who are best placed to do so.

    The Logies can continue as the teen-driven but ultimately irrelevant populist naff that it is.

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