Time is running out for filmmakers to enter their documentaries in the new Walkley Award for Excellence in Documentary.
The award‘s open to a variety of documentary storytelling styles, and judges are looking for courage and creativity in concept, approach and execution. The Foundation invites entries that offer an in-depth examination of issues of national or international importance, including investigative, biographical and first-person stories reflecting the emotion and drama of the human experience.
The documentary award adds a 34th category to the Walkley Awards and joins the Walkley Non-Fiction Book Award in recognising and encouraging excellence in long-form journalism, which according to Media Alliance federal secretary and Walkley Foundation CEO Christopher Warren is of increasing importance in an era dominated by the demands of the 24-hour news cycle.
“Through the Walkley Documentary Award, we hope to encourage the professional development of journalists as documentary makers, to encourage journalism’s intellectual honesty in this powerful form – and to recognise those who are able to realise journalism’s primary aim: enlightenment through the pursuit of truth,” Warren said.
Entries, which must have been shown in the 12 months from September 1, 2010 to August 31, 2011, close at 5pm on Friday September 2, 2011.
The winner will be announced as part of the annual Walkley Awards Gala Dinner celebrations, on Sunday, November 27 2011 in Brisbane, the culmination of the Walkley Festival of Journalism, including the Walkley Media Conference.
For eligibility criteria and more information visit: http://www.walkleys.com/documentary
The Walkley Foundation thanks Linc Energy, major partner of the Walkley Documentary Program, for its support.
For more information contact: Diana Plater on (02) 9333-0956 or diana.plater@alliance.org.au
