Clementine Ford’s new TV series awarded $30k taxpayer-funded grant amid anti-Semitism row

NSW’s taxpayer-funded film agency has granted more than $30,000 to a television project co-created by controversial author Clementine Ford.

Author Clementine Ford.

NSW’s taxpayer-funded film agency has granted more than $30,000 to a TV project co-created by controversial author Clementine Ford, who has been accused of posting anti-Semitic content online during the Israel-Hamas war.

Aquarius Films, the production company behind the upcoming TV series Smile Bitch (about a “high-profile media presenter who develops an appetite for murder after one too many sexist micro­aggressions”) was awarded $31,387 under Screen NSW’s slate development program. The grant was announced publicly on December 20, although it is understood the project was earmarked for the funding by Screen NSW in September last year, before being approved by another government agency, Create NSW.

Before the December 20 announcement, Ford, who is one of three co-creators of Smile Bitch, was accused of posting anti-Semitic content on social media when describing “Zionist women” of being “enthusiastic supporters of a murderous regime that has been killing children for over 70 years”.

Australian Jewish Association head Robert Gregory now has called for the rescinding of the taxpayer-funded grant to Smile Bitch.

“We are shocked by the news that Screen NSW has given such a divisive figure like Ford a grant for a TV series,” he said.

“Do they have complete disregard for Jewish women? Would they be giving grants to someone who has targeted members of any other minority group in this way?

“NSW taxpayers will rightly be concerned about the use of their taxpayer dollars to subsidise a TV series for someone who is stirring up hatred. The grant should be rescinded. NSW Arts Minister John Graham must explain this decision.”

Mr Graham said: “I understand that people have strong feelings here. The NSW government’s sole focus is on community cohesion and ensuring that our communities feel safe at home as events continue to unfold overseas. There will be no tolerance for hate speech or vilification.”

A Screen NSW spokesperson said development funding “is not awarded to or received by an individual, rather it supports NSW-based production companies to develop screen projects. These production-house projects are the product of several co-creators, as is the case with applications received from Aquarius Films (for Smile Bitch). Production companies present various projects for funding approval to Screen NSW, which respects the autonomy of independent organisations to collaborate with screen-creatives to develop content.”

Asked if Screen NSW ever assessed the suitability of funding projects associated with certain individuals, a spokesperson said: “Nothing further to add.”

Additional reporting: Antonella Gambotto-Burke