Entertainment
26 February, 2026
Lights, camera, empowerment
ASPIRING female filmmakers from Mareeba Shire are invited to step behind the camera next month, with a hands-on women’s filmmaking workshop in Dimbulah.
The workshop aims to build set-ready production skills, on-set confidence and industry connections for women interested in film and screen storytelling.
Partially funded by a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant from Mareeba Shire Council, the workshop will be overseen by the Rather Short Film Collective, a trio of Far North Queensland women with professional experience across the film and television industry.
The three-hour workshops will be held over Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March, with entry level on-set roles such as clapper loader, production assistant, script assistant, sound and even catering on offer.
Organiser Kerry Balzarolo said the participants would be involved in producing a six to eight-minute short film written by the Collective, and would have their names included in the finished product credits.
“It’s a way of experiencing an industry they may have wanted to pursue, and I think the main benefit is in the chance to build networks with other women,” Kerry said.
“The Cairns film industry is growing and it’s getting a lot of support from the state.
“One of the biggest drawbacks [in Mareeba] is getting access to that. I want these opportunities to reach up into Mareeba.”
Workshop participants would need to complete an online induction before the workshops. Places are limited, and women interested in participating are encouraged to register their interest early by emailing rathershortfilmcollective@gmail.com
