Screen Australia has announced a new First Nations Factual Co-Production Development Fund, created in partnership with Screen Canberra, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, VicScreen, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest and the South Australian Film Corporation.
The first intake of this new fund will support up to five First Nations businesses to create new factual screen projects, and elevate them in the international market.
According to Screen Australia, the aim here is to foster creative exchanges between countries, and support the development of projects that ‘explore Indigenous perspectives of cultural significance’.
Supporting First Nations filmmakers – quick links
Supporting First Nations storytellers
The new fund is designed to support the creation of new factual First Nations screen projects, while also bringing these projects to new global audiences. Successful applicants will receive a grant of $30,000 each, and attendance at Canada’s Toronto International Film Festival: The Market.
Projects submitted must have potential for international co-production or Official Co-Production under the Screen Australia banner.
‘First Nations storytellers around the world share deep cultural connections that transcend time and place, offering powerful, diverse perspectives,’ said Rachel Perkins in her new role as Screen Australia’s Director of First Nations Strategy.
‘This program enables those perspectives to be realised on screen, creating distinctive, high-quality factual storytelling that resonates worldwide. By developing projects for the TIFF 2026 market, we’re creating a vital pathway for First Nations stories to reach global audiences.’
How to apply for the Screen Australia’s First Nations Fund
Those keen to apply for this newly-established fund will need to meet various eligibility requirements.
Only First Nations-owned and operated production companies led by Indigenous practitioners should apply. Applicants should be mid-level to established in their career, with at least two documentary screen credits, or at least 60 minutes of factual content broadcast.
Essentially, this fund is to support established businesses to tell more unique stories, with experience required due to the international nature of the venture. Stories should naturally reflect the earned experience, knowledge and talent of First Nations screen storytellers.
Notably, attendees must also be available for TIFF: The Market, which takes place between 10 and 16 September.
Those keen to apply should watch the newly-released Co-Productions AMA instructional video to better understand the requirements.
Applications for First Nations Factual Co-Production Development Fund must be lodged with Screen Australia by 5pm AEST 4 June.
Also on ScreenHub: National Cultural Policy review 2026 – submission tips, with AI set to find ‘common themes’
The Australian Government is currently developing a new National Cultural Policy to ‘shape the future direction of the creative and cultural sector’. The aim here is to reform existing support for creative industries across the country, including the arts, film, and games sectors, with a view to implement more impactful support, address emerging priorities, and provide ‘a clear framework to support a vibrant and sustainable cultural future.’
In an effort to understand the needs of the creative and cultural sectors within Australia, the sweeping review is currently open for public consultation, with all workers and creatives encouraged to submit their thoughts and expertise for consideration.
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