The Film Finance Corporation Australia (FFC) has identified The Book of Revelation and Jindabyne as the first two projects to be selected under its new system of feature film Evaluation.

Films chosen through Evaluation receive a Letter of Intent from the FFC, which contain the terms and conditions of FFC funding. The FFC Board will make a formal commitment to fund Evaluation projects when the producers have achieved the terms and conditions set out in the Letter of Intent.

The Book of Revelation, the first of the two films coming through the new system, is an erotic and haunting mystery from writer/director Ana Kokkinos (Head On), writer Andrew Bovell (Lantana, Head On) and producer Al Clark (Chopper, The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert). It follows the story of a dancer at the peak of his powers who disappears without a trace for 12 days, then returns just as mysteriously - utterly changed. It is a film about sex and power, victim and perpetrator, and the healing power of love.

The Book of Revelation's Australian distributor is Palace Films, and US- and UK-based Content Film will handle international sales.

Al Clark: "This is a film unlike anything made in Australia, and we're delighted the FFC has selected it as part of its new direction."

The second project identified through the Evaluation door is director Ray Lawrence's much anticipated film Jindabyne, which the FFC approved with a different financing structure last financial year but was subsequently put into turn-around by the producers. The new financial structure for Jindabyne launches an innovative joint venture between April Films and investment bank Babcock & Brown, in collaboration with the FFC.

Garry Charny, the chairman of April Films and executive producer of Jindabyne, said the collaboration was great news for the industry: "It opens up a source of private equity for Australian films that had previously been untapped. It's a privilege to back a talent such as Ray Lawrence on an outstanding, internationally appealing film. Together with April's other current projects, Jindabyne gives April/Babcock & Brown investors an opportunity to participate in a slate of projects that make sense commercially and critically. [FFC chief executive] Brian Rosen's commitment to attracting private equity and thinking outside the square is to be applauded and supported."

Catherine Jarman will produce Jindabyne and Philippa Bateman is executive producer.

For further information contact:

Victoria Buchan The Lantern Group 02 9383 4033 0408 114 864

Anne Markey The Lantern Group 02 9383 4032