Sci-fi at its thrilling best: 2018 John Hinde Award winner announced
31 October, 2018
From post-apocalyptic and dystopian futures to thrilling dissections of the future of medical science and ethics, the 2018 John Hinde Award for unproduced scripts has uncovered an impressive line-up of Australian science-fiction writing, with Georgina Love's haunting screenplay Pig taking out the Award’s top prize last night in Brisbane.
Pushing the boundaries of science, ethics and imagination while asking the age-old sci-fi question of what it means to be human, Pig follows an experimental scientist who raises a sentient pig as a mirror image of his dying son. But when Pig learns his “father’s” plans have a sinister bent, he fights to resist them.
'It has been wonderful to receive recognition from the Australian Writers' Guild for my screenwriting and to be accepted into the Pathways program. I am hopeful for the opportunities this will afford me in my screenwriting career," said Love.
Selected from a pool of over one hundred entries, Love, alongside shortlisted screenwriters Tavis Urquhart and Matt Vesely, were celebrated last night at an event attended by entrants, screenwriters and industry decision-makers and hosted by previous John Hinde Award winners C.S. McMullen and Shayne Armstrong.
'I’m so thrilled to be nominated for the John Hinde again this year, and amongst such a great field of other finalists. I love creating science-fiction narratives, so to be part of something that celebrates the genre is an incredible privilege that I'll cherish for years,' said Urquhart.
‘I'm really excited and honoured to have been shortlisted for this year's John Hinde Award. As someone trying to establish myself as a key creative in this industry, recognition like this from the AWG and industry peers is not only a great career kickstarter, but also heart-warming encouragement in a field where you often spend hours alone, staring at your computer, convinced that nobody will like what you're doing!' said Vesely.
The three shortlisted scripts are now showcased on Pathways Showcase, and can be found linked below.
Established by a bequest from the late Australian film critic John Hinde, the Unproduced Category of the Award celebrates the exciting future of Australian science-fiction screenwriting, and through industry opportunities encourages, rewards and fosters creativity in the development of sci-fi writing across the country.
The Produced Category of the Award, which last year went to Cris Jones for The Death and Life of Otto Bloom, was not presented in 2018.
2018 John Hinde Award for Excellence in Science-Fiction Writing
Winner
Pig by Georgina Love
An experimental scientist raises a sentient pig as a mirror image of his dying son, but when Pig learns his “father’s” plans have a sinister bent, he fights to resist them
Shortlist
The Last Crop by Tavis Urquhart
In post-apocalyptic America, a former biologist and her son are forced to join a secretive commune or face starvation, only to discover the cult's intentions are far worse.
Overheater by Matt Vesely
In a lazily dystopian world, humanity is ruled by an unseen alien elite, and a young couple’s romance is threatened when they rescue a robot shopkeeper from being scrapped.
