One of our Curious Creators, Dani Sitto, has been selected from hundreds of hopeful applicants into the prestigious graduate cinematography program at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).
Dani is just one of 20 aspiring filmmakers to be offered the opportunity. He impressed the selection panel with a showreel stacked with creative cinematography from CuriousWorks projects including our feature film Riz and his drone work on the spin-off music videos, as well as his commercial wedding work and video he shot for famous social media sensations.
His achievement is even more remarkable given he had not completed the AFTRS undergraduate degree.
“I nearly didn’t apply because of that,” Dani said. “I didn’t think there was any way I would get in.”
But he had successfully completed the AFTRS Diploma in Camera Fundamentals last year with fellow Curious Creator Adam McPhilbin, and his teacher from that short course spotted his potential and encouraged him to apply.
“I was super excited when I got the confirmation email – I still am,” Dani said.
Dani, 18, who only arrived in Australia as an Iraqi refugee in late 2012 is viewing this as the next step in his dream of becoming a professional director of photography. He begins the 12-month Graduate Certificate Screen: Cinematography course in early March.
It looks like being a busy 2017 for Dani. He plans to continue working with CuriousWorks and has also lined up a DOP role on a new web series (with Adam employed as camera operator).