Griffith Film School alumnus Dean Gibson has been appointed to the Screen Queensland Board of Directors.
The acclaimed First Nations filmmaker has more than a decade experience in the screen industry.
Since graduating from Griffith Film School in 2004, he has written and directed the award-winning feature documentary Wik vs Queensland, directed a children’s feature film featuring Jessica Mauboy and created the popular ABC TV series Handball Heroes.
Mr Gibson said he was honoured to be appointed to the Screen Queensland Board.
“I look forward to being a voice for local filmmakers and local content creation.”
“I live and breathe this industry and I think it’s good to have that perspective at a board level.”
Screen Queensland Chair Linda Lavarch said that Gibson’s expertise and passion for local industry made him an ideal addition to the board.
“Dean is a strong advocate for screen in Queensland, and a consummate professional in our industry,” she said.
“We will greatly benefit from his experience and perspective.”
Mr Gibson said he looked forward to championing emerging filmmakers and advocating for more diversity and inclusivity in the screen industry.
“Queensland is full of diverse stories to share.”
“I look forward to making sure our first nations stories have their pride and place in Screen Queensland’s production slate and investment in the future.”
Mr Gibson said it was an exciting time for film production in Queensland.
“You hear a lot about the big Hollywood blockbusters that come to town, but it’s great to see local production looking so strong,” he said.
“Our production houses are producing exciting, unique content that is leading the way in Australia,” he said.
Acting Director of Griffith Film School, Professor Trish FitzSimons, said the university community was “immensely proud” of Dean Gibson’s appointment.
“We look forward to working productively with Dean and other members of the Screen Queensland Board in 2020 and beyond,” she said.
“His work since graduating has been outstanding, telling stories of national and international significance from an Aboriginal and Queensland perspective.”