Australians in Film’s career development program Untapped will officially return in 2026, with guest speakers including Leviticus director and writer Adrian Chiarella, Glitch Productions’ Development Executive Jasmine Yang (The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act), filmmaker Kalu Oji (Pasa Faho) and writer and director AP Pobjoy (Homebodies).
The development program is now in its sixth year, and aims to provide emerging writers, directors and creators in Australia with practical knowledge, while also connecting them with established creatives via valuable Masterclass sessions.
This year’s Masterclass series is themed around the idea of creative collaboration, with talks focused on creative partnerships and how they can help to develop skills and bring ambitious projects to life.
Untapped 2026 – quick links
The full program for Untapped 2026
Untapped 2026 will feature two segmented learning tracks. The first is an open-call online Masterclass program which is available to ‘anyone wishing to learn from some of Australia’s most exciting creatives.’
The four sessions will be focused on delivering career insights, processes and lessons on how to transform ideas into completed screen projects.
‘In each session, attendees will hear from a different Australian writer, director, or actor who has achieved breakthrough success with their original work,’ a spokesperson said. ‘These visionary creators and their collaborators will offer in-depth discussions on the creative partnerships and relationships that help bring groundbreaking screen stories to life.’
A select group of five to six filmmakers will also be selected to participate in the Untapped Development Lab, a new professional and career development initiative that aims to equip participants ‘with the skills, knowledge and industry connections needed to build sustainable careers in the screen industry’.
Untapped Development Lab will be a virtual two-month ‘intensive’ mentorship program. Running between September and December, it will task participants with working to ‘identify their strongest creative ideas, develop their voice and vision, and build the skills and strategy needed to take their careers to the next level’.
During the lab, participants will work alongside the Australians in Film team to have their project ideas reviewed. They will be paired with a mentor and partnered with Untapped alumni, and will take part in various roundtable sessions with industry professionals, as well as working with pitch coaches to refine their approach.
How to take part in Untapped 2026
Those keen to participate should prepare their applications. Registration is now open via the Australians in Film website, with a deadline of 14 July.
The first masterclasses will kick off in mid-July, with weekly sessions then leading into the formal Development Lab for select participants.
‘What began as an initiative during the Covid pandemic has evolved into a highly meaningful international talent development pathway for Australia’s most exciting emerging screen creatives,’ said Peter Ritchie, Australians in Film’s Executive Director.
‘This year’s Masterclass line-up perfectly reflects what Untapped is all about – discovering, nurturing and championing bold new voices whose stories will resonate with audiences around the world.’
Screen Australia, which has supported Untapped through the years, was equally enthusiastic about the return of the now-annual initiative.
‘Since its launch in 2020, Untapped has consistently showcased the depth, diversity and originality of Australian storytelling, helping to fast-track bold new talent,’ said Harry Avramidis, Screen Australia’s Head of International & Industry Partnerships.
‘It supports emerging storytellers to find their voice, maintain their authenticity, share their perspectives and build the communities and partnerships that are the pillars of not only successful individual careers but a strong and sustainable Australian screen industry.’
