Earlier this year the Australian government announced it was withdrawing funding from the Australian Film Institute. The AFI is the only distributor of Australian short films and independent documentaries in the country, and the primary source of information about Australia’s television and film industry. Aussie film luminaries are criticizing the government’s decision, saying the cuts “would harm the long-term health of the Australian culture and economy.” – The Age (Melbourne) 07/18/00
- QUIT TALKING AND RAISE MONEY: “In what is turning into a battle for industry support, the commission has hit back by saying that the AFI, which has twice claimed during the past six months to be facing insolvency, has failed to seek additional funding sources, sponsorship or strategic partnerships to maintain the threatened activities. Instead, it has devoted its resources to campaigning against the decision.” – Sydney Morning Herald 07/18/00