Screen Australia has announced its latest slate of narrative content funding, with 75 new feature films, series and short films sharing in over $16.9 million in production and development support.
Screen Australia announces funding for new narrative projects – quick links
What to know about the latest projects funded by Screen Australia
The list of newly-funded projects includes The Best Of, an adaptation of Graeme Simsion’s novel about two former lovers who reunite after decades of living apart. Notably, this is the directorial debut of acclaimed Australian actress Toni Collette (Hereditary, Muriel’s Wedding).
Elsewhere, the list also includes the debut feature film from comedy group Sooshi Mango, rural detective story The Dark Lake, starring Phoebe Tonkin (Boy Swallows Universe, Bloom) and family short film My Life As A 12-Year-Old Demon Hunter… With Great Hair!.
‘Australian storytellers continue to captivate audiences with their creativity, originality and distinctive perspectives. This latest round of funding supports an exciting range of projects from emerging creatives forging new paths to established voices exploring new creative territory,’ Louise Gough, Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content says.
‘Screen Currency 2026 found that local stories matter deeply to Australians, and these projects will deliver on the authenticity and ambition that audiences have come to expect. Together, they showcase stories and experiences that resonate here at home and around the world.’
Highlights from the latest round of Screen Australia narrative funding
Here’s some of the highlights from the latest round of Screen Australia narrative content funding:
- The Best Of – ‘An adaptation of Graeme Simsion’s bestselling novel, marking the directorial debut of award-winning actor Toni Collette. Produced by Collette and Christopher Simon, the film follows two former flames who reunite after decades of living separate lives, exploring the unexpected sorrow, chaos, and bliss when old feelings resurface.’
- The Dark Lake – ‘A series adaptation of Sarah Bailey’s award-winning novel from Brouhaha Entertainment (Boy Swallows Universe), starring Phoebe Tonkin as a rural town detective who must confront dark secrets from her past when she investigates the murder of her former high school classmate.’
- Bull (working title) – ‘Starring George Pullar, Richard Roxburgh, Robyn Malcolm, Teresa Palmer, Thomas M. Wright and Harrison Gilbertson, Bull is inspired by the true story of fast-talking inmate who joins a debating team inside Tasmania’s toughest prison in a desperate bid to turn his life around and, for once, make his mother proud.’
- Untitled Sooshi Mango project – ‘A debut feature from viral Australian comedy group Sooshi Mango that follows three stubborn Italian immigrants who rally their multicultural community to save their beloved social club when a mysterious health and wellness club threatens its future.’
- Solastalgia – ‘A short film from BAFTA-nominated writer-director Rosie Westhoff (The Main Part) and producers Chloe Brennan (We Used to Own Houses), Amanda Browne (Mothmama) and Ashlee Russell (Mothmama). A young girl pieces together the fractured memories of a bushfire that destroyed her home and searches for connection in a place forever changed.’
- No Friend But The Mountains – ‘Based on the critically acclaimed memoir by Behrouz Boochani, the feature is written by Rodd Rathjen and Boochani, and directed by Rathjen. Produced by Gal Greenspan, Sharlene George, Amy Parry, Arkos Armont, Katy Roberts, Boochani and Antony Waddington. Fleeing persecution as a Kurdish journalist, Boochani is intercepted at sea and sent to Manus Island. Inside, he refuses to fade, recording the slow unmaking of men.’
- My Life As A 12-Year-Old Demon Hunter… With Great Hair! – ‘Blending live action and animation, the family short film from Pasifika led company Mana Film Productions follows a day in the life of Tala, a 12-year-old demon hunter, whose biggest challenge isn’t schoolwork, but the demons trying to steal her power. Written, directed and co-produced by AWGIE award-winning screenwriter and best-selling author Maria Lewis, co-produced by Shonee Samia with animation by Herbert Leota.’
- Desi Down Under – ‘A feature film reimagining of the coming-of-age Indian-Australian audio series of the same name, created and written by Mithila Gupta. Written and produced by Gupta with producers Nina Aujla, Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp, the romantic comedy follows three misfits as they travel from Kerala to Coogee to learn surf-lifesaving skills to help their countrymen.’
- The Caretaker – ‘From Goalpost Pictures and created by Screen Australia Talent Gateway 2026 participants Alexei Mizin and Ryan van Dijk, the series is an adaptation of Gabriel Bergmoser’s best-selling novel. The thriller follows a woman living in hiding as a caretaker of an off-season ski resort who is driven to increasingly drastic lengths to protect her new life.’
You can view the full list of supported projects on the Screen Australia website (Production, Development and Short Film).
