Our Story

In 2002 the Australian film industry mourned the loss of one of its most awarded and internationally renowned documentary filmmakers, Ms Robin Anderson. Along with her partner, Bob Connolly, Robin had, through documentary films such as Rats in the Ranks and Facing the Music, introduced us to now trademark documentary films.

At the time of Robin’s death $10,000 was donated by the public the initial aim was to establish a memorial scholarship, after some consultation with Bob Connolly it was decided in favour of an annual competitive film festival – The Robin Anderson Film Awards for Secondary School Film Makers.

Aside from the wish to honour Robin, the rationale behind the decision for a film festival lies in a belief that Robin would have wanted to be a part of an initiative that would promote and encourage young student film makers and offer them industry based assistance and prizes. With the arrival of inexpensive digital cameras, mobile phones and non linear editing programs it has never been more possible and accessible for school students to be film makers. In short a revolution in young filmmakers has occurred.

In 2003, the first Robin Anderson Film Awards was held, offering schools in the inner west an opportunity to showcase their works. The finalists’ films were shown to a capacity filled Valhalla cinema. By 2005 it was a competition for the state of NSW and by 2008 it became a national high school film competition. Students will be awarded prizes for the best in each category as well as craft prizes, the awards conclude with the presentation of the final award the Robin Anderson Award for best film, this acknowledges excellence in digital filmmaking.

Sydney Film School offer a scholarship to the value of $26000 to an entrant of the Robin Anderson Film Awards, mentorship with a distinguished Australian Filmmaker and two thousands dollars. A number of programs have grown from The Robin Anderson Film Awards for Secondary School Film Makers, and with the support of Foxtel as the awards principal sponsor we can hope for even greater nurturing of young filmmakers throughout Australia. This has included a Aboriginal Outreach program 'Tell your own Story’ , Taming the You Tuber – Cineliteracy Conference for teachers and students, and a Distinction course for Stage 5 and 6 high school students in Filmmaking.