University and Embassy of France working together to support film in Wellington
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and the Embassy of France signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday 9 November to establish a new Screen Artist in Residence Programme at the University from 2023.
The Embassy and the University will co-sponsor the annual residency, which will enable a French screen artist in film, animation, or VFX to be based at the Miramar Creative Centre for up to six weeks for the purposes of research, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. The residency will also aim to provide opportunities for young creators.
The residency will be supported by the University’s Film programme and School of Design Innovation.
“On behalf of everyone at the Miramar Creative Centre, we are excited to welcome our first Screen Artist in Residence in 2023. We see the centre as more than just a place of learning for our graduate students—we see it a hub for our region's creative community of screen arts practitioners,” says Kevin Romond, director of the Miramar Creative Centre. “With this wonderful opportunity to have a French national working alongside our faculty and students, we can connect our communities, creating opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.”
“France and New Zealand, while on opposite sides of the globe, are two places that often come to mind when one thinks of prominent leaders of cinema and animation,” says Professor Douglas Easterly from the School of Design Innovation.
“The University and the Embassy of France share a passion for supporting the screen arts, in all its forms, with the understanding of the broad economic opportunities, as well as deep cultural and social impact with audiences across the globe.”
Professor Easterly and Associate Professor Thierry Jutel from the School of English, Film, Theatre, Media and Communication, and Art History led the discussions with the Embassy that led to the MOU.
“Wellington is a bustling screen industry training and production destination. The Screen Artist in Residence is the logical combination of France’s commitment and support for moving image culture and the achievements of the screen industry sector in Wellington,” says Associate Professor Jutel. “Adding an accomplished visiting filmmaker to this mix will be of great benefit to our students, colleagues, and our creative community. The holder of the residence will extend their and our network of contacts.”
Staff from the University and the Embassy of France connected at the various film-related events run by both institutions around the city. After several meetings and discussions as to how the two institutions could work together to support the further development of film in Wellington and Aotearoa New Zealand, the Screen Artist in Residence programme was born, with support from Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Ehsan Mesbahi and Professor Sarah Leggott.
Professor Sarah Leggott, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and Education signed the MOU on behalf of the University.
“The creative arts are important to our Faculty and our University, as well as to life of our city and country. Partnerships like this one allow us to support the arts across the world and to engage with and activate a global network of animators and filmmakers,” Professor Leggott says.
“We look forward to sharing our knowledge with the creators who join us through this programme and learning in turn from them, as well as making further international connections to benefit both the University and our local creative community. We are excited to see this wonderful programme launch next year, and to continue to help the film industry thrive in partnership with the Embassy.”
“The film industry is proudly nurtured and celebrated in both France and New Zealand. Artist in Residence programs are a natural fit in our cultural cooperation. This new collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington is an opportunity for a French screen artist to get inspired by the unique character of Wellington—listed as a UNESCO City of Film alongside Cannes,” says Laurence Beau, Ambassador of France to New Zealand.
While at the University, the Screen Artist in Residence will take part in a range of University activities, including guest lectures, research symposiums and conferences, exhibitions, and screenings. They will have the opportunity to make connections with staff, students, and others, as well as access a range of University facilities designed for both research and the creation of art.