In 2018, Cinespace ran a screen story development lab

for early career writers from Victoria's diverse and

under-represented communities.

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Australian audiences want to see more and different stories that reflect our cultural diversity. To reach this goal, we know we need to invest in new storytellers. 

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Story Lab was an extended development program supported by Film Victoria.

Thirty writers took part in a workshop series. Eight writers were selected for individual mentorship, and a final four advanced to the final stage of Story Lab.

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Story Lab participants have been:

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•  selected to pitch at Melbourne WebFest

• shortlisted for the SBS/Film Victoria Scripted Short Initiative

• selected for Film Victoria attachments program

• awarded at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

• invited into professional writers rooms

• selected for the Malthouse Theatre/Footscray Community Arts Centre     LIVING NOW residency
   

The eight writers selected for mentorship were:

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Monique Hameed

Cem Bilici

Cindy Rodriguez

 Nadia Faragaab

Hoa Pham

Marisa Brown

Kauthar Abdulalim

Joseva Marcus Viqasi

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The final four were:

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Cindy Rodriguez

Hoa Pham

Marisa Brown

Nadia Faragaab

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Story Lab's Principal Partner is Film Victoria, through the Early Career Skills Development Program.

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