AFI announce The Academy

Enojyed a wonderful event at The Overseas Passenger Terminal last inght to see the Australian Film Institute launch their new Academy, the equivalent of The Oscars.

CEO Damian Trewhella brought in the big guns appointing Geoffrey Rush as President, or Pres as he dubbed himself in a hilarious speech, and Dr George Miller on the board.

Really impressed with the new venture, the research and consultation done to create the new venture, and look forward to the AFI Awards coming to Sydney in January for a three year run at The Sydney Opera House

Here’s the highlights video

Info from the Press Release below
Australian Academy new ‘stamp of success’ for screen leaders
Media can download footage from tonight’s launch event from 11.30pm EDST at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AustFilmInstitute
International interest in Australia’s best film and television productions and practitioners is expected to increase, following the launch tonight of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA).
Launched by the Australian Film Institute (AFI), AACTA is a dynamic new peak peer assembly for leading Australian screen practitioners. AACTA’s primary role is to recognise, encourage, award and celebrate screen excellence in Australia, in particular through the Academy’s annual awards.
Geoffrey Rush has been named as AACTA’s Founding President, a move which is expected to add international weight to the organisation and its awards from an industry and public perspective.