Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is asking the 1.3 million Australians who identify as Chinese Australian to share a story from their life – it can be a funny, sad, heart-warming or a heartbreaking story – but one that speaks to the truth of their experience in Australia. They are looking for stories that can help change the hearts and minds of Australians, stories that create connection, remind us what we have in common, and create empathy and understanding between us all again.
They are asking participants to record themselves telling their story directly to camera, and for it to be under 10 minutes long. It can be recorded on Zoom, or a cameraphone, or ipad. The content is up to the particpants, whether it is a heart-warming family story or a powerful snapshot of reality. They want an honest, authentic account of their life – or a moment from it – that speaks to the truth of their experience as a Chinese Australian.
Once submitted, a selection of stories will be chosen by a diverse committee of prominent Australian writers, filmmakers, and cultural trailblazers. These storytellers will then be flown to Sydney for the 2023 Unsung Stories Gala event, where their stories will be presented in front of a live audience, and live streamed around Australia. A large collection of these stories will then be housed in the online public archives of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) for future generations to be able to view, making their story a vital and enduring part of Australian history.
Submissions close on 22nd January 2023 (Chinese New Year).
More information can be found here: https://www.aacta.org/international-program/unsung-stories/
