Applications are now open for a filmmaking initiative aiming to uncover distinctive Western Australian voices and projects.
Screenwest and Lotterywest have announced the 2026 Lotterywest Elevate Initiative is receiving applications from early-to-mid career creatives with ideas for a high-quality short film, animation or online series.
The program supports teams through two streams, Elevate 30 offers $30,000 for projects up to 7-minutes long and Elevate 70 offers $70,000 for projects up to 10-minutes long.
An additional $2,000 is available to recipients to contribute towards the costs of marketing the completed project and submitting it to festivals.
Screenwest CEO Rikki Lea Bestall says the organisation is excited to partner with Lotterywest.
“Through their support, this program will back up to eight short films from some of Western Australia most talented early-to-mid career filmmakers,” Bestall said.
“The Lotterywest Elevate Initiative gives early and mid-career creatives the opportunity to develop their skills, tell distinctive Western Australian stories and take the next step in their careers,” adds Lotterywest CEO Colin Smith.
“Lotterywest is proud to have partnered with Screenwest for more than three decades, and we’re excited to continue supporting the next generation of creators to share the stories, experiences and perspectives that help connect and enrich WA communities.”
The Lotterywest Elevate Initiative is overseen by an executive producer, appointed by Screenwest, who manages the production and delivery of the successful projects.
Applications for the Lotterywest Elevate Initiative are now open, and close at 5pm AWST, Monday 28 September 2026.
Image: Lauren Campbell and Rylee Partridge in 2025 Elevate short film I Hate It Here, by Amanda Clarke
