The achievements of the SA screen industry were celebrated Saturday at the 2024 South Australian Screen Awards (SASAs), with winners announced at a gala awards ceremony at The Mercury.
Twenty seven categories recognised the work of more than 50 nominees, including five nominations for programs produced by C44:
- Best Documentary: The Alternative Art School: 40 Years of the Adelaide Central School of Art, produced in collaboration with Adelaide Central School of Art.
- Best Web Series:
- Be Curious, produced in collaboration with Inspiring South Australia and Six Foot Four Productions
- Couch 44, directed and produced by Maddie Siegertsz and Tully Templeman in collaboration with Flinders University and supported by the Community Broadcasting Foundation
- Mob Talks, directed and produced by Keith Gilbey-Warrior and Rick Hutchenson in collaboration with the South Australian Film Corporation and supported by the Community Broadcasting Foundation
- Best First Nations Film: Mob Talks – Politics, directed and produced by Keith Gilbey-Warrior and Rick Hutchenson in collaboration with the South Australian Film Corporation and supported by the Community Broadcasting Foundation
C44 came away with one win: Best Web Series for Be Curious, directed by C44 general manager Lauren Hillman and produced by Lauren Hillman and presenter Alison Kershaw of Inspiring South Australia.
Watch Be Curious now on CTV+
Be Curious is a new three-episode series that will break down barriers between scientists and the public and inspire the next generation of South Australian scientists and innovators. Hosted by science communicator and first-time TV presenter Alison Kershaw from Inspiring SA, Be Curious explores the groundbreaking science and trailblazing technology happening in the North Terrace institutions that many of us pass every day.
The Mercury’s general manager Sarah Lancaster said her organisation was “incredibly proud” to be able to contribute to South Australia’s screen ecosystem.
“The talent awarded tonight, along with all the nominees, are a testament to the strong and healthy screen community here in South Australia,” she said.
“As we celebrate The Mercury’s 50th year this year, we marvel at the talented filmmakers whose amazing work has graced our screens.”
Full list of winners
- Grand Jury Prize, Sponsored by South Australian Film Corporation – Blame The Rabbit, directed by Elena Carapetis and produced by Lisa Scott and Adam Camporeale
- Best Comedy, Sponsored by UrbanCine– Mating Call, directed and produced by Stephanie Jaclyn
- Best Documentary, Sponsored by Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) – Kala Kunbolk (Colour Country), directed by James Haskard and Nina Haigh and produced by Injalak Arts
- Best Web Series, Sponsored by Star Avenue Studios – Be Curious, directed by Lauren Hillman and produced by Lauren Hillman and Alison Kershaw
- Best Drama, Sponsored by Picture Hire Australia – Death Doula, directed by Jenna Sutch and produced by Jenna Sutch, James Kwong and Josh Anderson
- Best Animation, Sponsored by University of South Australia – On Film, directed and produced by Emma Hough Hobbs
- Best Game, Sponsored by Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) – Super BAWK BAWK Chicken from Daytime Devs
- Best Feature Film, Sponsored by KOJO– Monolith, directed by Matt Vesely and produced by Bettina Hamilton
- Best Experimental Film, Sponsored by Hanlon Larsen Screen Fellowship– Subject, directed by Fraser Whitehead and produced by Scarlett Scherer
- Best Student Film, Sponsored by Flinders University – Death Doula, directed by Jenna Sutch and produced by Jenna Sutch, James Kwong and Josh Anderson
- Best Music Video, Sponsored by MusicSA – Samuelson – LIAR, directed by Austinn Arruzzolo and produced by Dion Vercher
- Best First Nations Film, Sponsored by Reconciliation SA, Feel Good Nunga Radio & PBA FM – The Getaway, directed by Adam Scott Jenkins and produced by Tim Harkness
- Best Screenplay, Sponsored by Australian Writers Guild SA – Something’s Not Quite Right, script by Tom Cornwall
- Best Directing, Sponsored by Australian Directors Guild SA – Subject, directed by Fraser Whitehead
- Best Performance, Sponsored by Heesom Casting – Subject, Lauren Koopowitz
- Best Cinematography, Sponsored by ProAV Solutions – The Unrequited Life of Farrah Bruce, cinematography by Emerson Hoskin
- Best Editing, Sponsored by Australian Screen Editors – The Unrequited Life of Farrah Bruce, edited by Tiah Trimboli
- Best Production Design, Sponsored by Australian Production Design Guild – Subject, production design by Fraser Whitehead
- Best Sound Design, Sponsored by Australian Screen Sound Guild – Blame The Rabbit, sound design by Michael Darren
- Best Hair & Make-up, Sponsored by Channel 44 – Mating Call, hair & make-up by Elle Baldock, Grace Rolfe and Dominique Keeley
- Best Costume, Sponsored by Australian Production Design Guild – Subject, costuming by Eliza Stafford
- Best Music Composition, Sponsored by Australian Guild Of Screen Composers and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra – Blame The Rabbit, composition by Michael Darren
- Best Young Filmmaker, Sponsored by Adelaide Film Festival – Madison Siegertz
- Best Emerging First Nations Screen Practitioner, Sponsored by the South Australian Film Corporation – Travis Akbar
- Best Emerging Producer, Sponsored by Adelaide Film Festival– Sarah Wormald
- Mercury Rising Award, Sponsored by The Mercury and Adelaide Film Festival – Emerson Hoskin
- Mercury Legend Award, Sponsored by Adelaide Film Festival and CrewHQ – David Tiley
