Australian Jewish film industry mixer

Jump Street Films founder and director Jamie Bialkower organised an Australian Jewish film networking night at the Southside Classic on July 31, designed to connect those working in the film industry in Melbourne. It was attended by around 40 people from the film community, which comprises writers, directors, producers, actors, executives, composers, cinematographers, sound technicians, animators and production designers.

Bialkower told The AJN, “As part of my work with the Jewish Australian Screen Fund, we are trying to understand what Jewish representation looks like across each branch of the industry, also allowing people to meet who wouldn’t otherwise connect. This can lead not only to community building but also professional opportunities.”

With over 20 years of experience in the film industry, Bialkower launched the Jewish Australian Screen Fund last year, lamenting the lack of Jewish narratives being financed in Australia and the lack of support that Jewish artists are receiving at structural and institutional levels.

He believes the fund can also help counter antisemitism through representation of Jewish stories on screen. He told The AJN that the situation for Australian Jewish filmmakers remains difficult.

“Many of us are experiencing discrimination and hostility from peers, institutions and funding bodies, whether overtly or more subtly. Building a sustainable film culture for Jewish screen storytelling in this country is a long-term goal and we need the support of those within our own community to make it happen.”

The Jewish Australian Screen Fund has partnered with the Jewish International Film Festival to develop short films that navigate the theme of post-October 7 life in Australia.

The short films are titled Mezuza Man, Crumbs, Shpatzir and The Promised Land. They will premiere on October 26 at the Classic, followed by a Q&A with the directors.