Vines Patrons
Incorporate Sunup into Your Philanthropic Portfolio.
Support South Australian Creativity
Sunup Film is committed to strengthening the creative heart of South Australia — developing local stories, employing South Australian crew, and building sustainable career pathways for the artists who call this state home. Your donation helps make this work possible, contributing directly to a long-term ecosystem where regional voices can truly flourish.
All donations made through the Australian Cultural Fund are 100% tax-deductible, ensuring that your generosity directly supports the future of South Australian arts.
The VINES Circle is our philanthropic community, created for supporters who believe in the power of South Australian storytelling and wish to play a meaningful role in shaping its future. By joining the Circle, you help us nurture local writers, actors, crew and creative practitioners, while contributing to a sustainable model for independent filmmaking in the state. Each tier represents a commitment to the growth of our arts sector and the cultural legacy we are building together.
Welcome from E. Bennett Walsh
It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the community gathering around VINES. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working across major studios, international productions and independent films in a wide range of cultures and creative environments. One thing has remained constant throughout: meaningful work is only possible when the right people choose to stand behind it.
What Isabelle and her team are building here in South Australia is both distinctive and important. VINES is a film rooted in emotional honesty and a strong sense of place, shaped by the character of the Adelaide Hills and the talent of the artists who live and work here. It represents a mode of filmmaking that values craft, humanity and intention — qualities that resonate far beyond the screen.
Your support makes that possible. Independent film depends on those who recognise its cultural value and who understand the long-term impact of investing in creative communities. By joining us, you are not only helping bring this story to life, but also contributing to a framework that strengthens the future of South Australian storytelling.
Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting VINES. It’s a project I believe in deeply, and I look forward to the opportunity to share its journey with you.
A Legacy of Opportunity
Your support helps create a lasting legacy for South Australian artists. VINES is more than a single film — it is the starting point of a long-term framework designed to keep creative talent in the state by offering viable, meaningful pathways into the screen industry.
South Australia has a deep well of skill, ambition and artistic potential, yet many practitioners leave due to limited opportunity. Your contribution helps reverse that trend by building the conditions in which talent can stay, grow and contribute to the cultural life of the state.
By supporting VINES, you help:
establish ongoing creative employment for South Australian crew
ensure local stories continue to be made in South Australia
build a cultural environment where artists can build lasting, sustainable careers
strengthen the link between training institutions and industry
CURRENT OPPORTUNITY
VINES
- TITLE: VINES
- FORMAT: FEATURE FILM
- GENRE: CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC DRAMA
- TARGET AUDIENCE: 30+ FEMALE, DRAMA CONTENT CONSUMERS
- PRODUCTION TIMEFRAME: 2026/27
- RELEASE TIMEFRAME: 2027
- DISTRIBUTION PATHWAY: UMBRELLA FILMS (ANZ LOI), STREAMING PLATFORMS, FESTIVAL CIRCUIT
- MARKET POSITION: EMOTIONALLY DRIVEN, AUSTRALIAN STORYTELLING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE
- TEAM: E.BENNETT WALSH, ISABELLE SCOTT, KAHLI GASKIN
CURATED PATRON EXPERIENCES
THE PRELUDE ACCESS
- A warm introduction to the project, offering early access to the trailer, select script pages and supporter recognition across our platforms.
THE CURATED EDIT
- Building on Tier 1, this tier provides elegant digital insights, including a production newsletter, a digital VINES art print, a group thank-you video and a Director’s Insight Note.
THE CREATORS CIRCLE
- Everything from Tier 2, plus closer creative connection through behind-the-scenes updates, reserved seating at the community preview screening, a small-group livestream Q&A and a digital message from cast.
THE STUDIO EXPERIENCE
- An elevated experience that includes all previous tiers along with an intimate set visit (small group), a “Special Thanks” credit in the film, a premium lookbook and photography pack (exclusive release), and entry to our boutique Supporters’ Evening.
THE PATRONS TABLE
- Our most intimate offering, including everything from Tier 4 plus a luncheon with Producer & Director, a private creative session with Director, a preview-cut screening, participation in a rough-cut feedback survey, and a cocktail event at the community screening.
CULTURAL IMPACT
Supporting VINES contributes to something far larger than a single production. It strengthens the cultural fabric of South Australia and ensures that regional stories continue to be part of Australia’s national narrative. Independent film has always played a vital role in shaping identity, expanding perspective and preserving the voice of communities — yet it remains one of the most underfunded areas of the arts.
Your involvement helps:
safeguard the presence of South Australian stories on screen
amplify regional identities within Australia’s cultural landscape
ensure diverse voices continue to be developed and championed
preserve the artistic integrity of independent filmmaking
reinforce the state’s reputation as a centre for creative excellence
The arts flourish when communities choose to value and protect them. By supporting VINES, you are contributing to a cultural legacy that will resonate far beyond this project alone.
HOW YOUR DONATION IS USED
Transparency is essential to us. Every donation made through the Australian Cultural Fund directly supports the creation of VINES and the development of future South Australian stories.
Your contribution helps fund:
South Australian crew wages
location hire and regional partnerships
production design, costume, and art department work
post-production through local studios and edit facilities
training opportunities for emerging creatives
development of new Sunup Film projects
Each dollar is reinvested into South Australia’s artists, businesses and creative infrastructure.
THE LONG TERM VISION
VINES is the beginning of a broader, long-term strategy to build a sustainable slate of independent films produced entirely in South Australia. We are developing a model that retains talent, creates ongoing employment, and brings regional stories to audiences in Australia and beyond.
Our vision includes:
a pipeline of new feature films rooted in South Australian identity
continued employment and training opportunities for local creatives
strategic partnerships with regional businesses and arts organisations
developing a recognisable South Australian screen voice
establishing Sunup Film as a home for independent storytelling in the state
This work extends far beyond one project. Your support helps build a cultural foundation that will continue to grow with every film we make.