Natalie Miller and NMF Vice-President Sandra Sdraulig at the 2019 Brilliant Careers Leadership Forum, RMIT.
“Celebrating one of the industry’s most extraordinary women”
Named in honour of one of the screen community’s most admired and accomplished leaders, the Natalie Miller Fellowship is the first program of its kind in Australia.
Natalie Miller AO is a visionary leader in the Australian screen industry. She has made and continues to make an astounding contribution to the film community through her distinguished career spanning over forty years.
A passionate supporter of independent films and filmmakers, Natalie has brought quality art-house cinema to Australia through her leadership at the Longford Cinema, as co-founder of Cinema Nova, one of Australia’s greatest independent cinemas, and as Executive Director of Sharmill Films, the only distribution company in Australia established and run by a woman. Natalie has served on many boards and committees in the screen industry, as well as other cultural organisations, and is currently a Director of the Board of the National Association of Cinema Operators (NACO).
In recognition of her many achievements, Natalie has been awarded an OAM and an AO for her contribution to the Australian film industry and for her mentoring of other women. The French government also made her a Chevalier in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for her promotion of French culture in Australia. And for her outstanding service to the screen industry, she has received lifetime achievement awards from the Independent Cinemas Association of Australia and the Screen Producers Association of Australia.
Inaugural NMF Committee and Natalie Miller at the official launch, Raheen 21 June 2011. From left to right – Jenny Sabine, Sue Maslin, Natalie Miller, Jan Epstein, Chrissy Thomson, Annette Blonski and Zelda Rosenbaum
RAHEEN LAUNCH
The Natalie Miller Fellowship was announced on 21 June 2011, at a Tribute Dinner and Fundraiser hosted by Jeanne Pratt AC at Raheen in Melbourne. The Fellowship was launched by Margaret Pomeranz, and a large cross-section of the industry attended, including Geoffrey Rush and Julia Blake. Natalie Miller OAM delivered an inspiring speech about her career noting the alarming absence of female colleagues in leadership positions in the distribution and exhibition sector. Funds were raised from private and industry donors in addition to a $20,000 grant from Film Victoria and events are currently in planning for all states.
“The positive impact that Natalie Miller has had on the Australian film industry is unparalleled. It is an honor to be part of this special initiative in her name which encourages a new generation of women to inspire and innovate in an industry that I am so passionate about.”
Claudia Karvan, Patron
FURTHER READING
Related reading: Lisa French’s 2011 Survey of Women in the Victorian Film, Television and Related Industries