First Nations factual storytelling is getting a global stage boost, with Screen Australia on Tuesday announcing a new national fund aimed at helping Indigenous screen businesses take projects beyond Australia.
The initiative, backed by Screen Australia and screen agencies from every state and territory, will support up to five First Nations led companies developing internationally focused factual content while opening the door to one of the industry’s biggest global markets.
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Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, in partnership with Screen Canberra, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest, South Australian Film Corporation and VicScreen, has opened applications for the First Nations Factual Co-production Development Fund, a new national program designed to strengthen and elevate First Nations screen businesses in international markets.
The program will support up to five First Nations businesses to expand their global experience by fostering creative exchange between countries based on the development of factual projects that explore Indigenous perspectives of cultural significance.
Successful applicants will receive a grant of $30,000 each for both the development of two factual projects with potential for international co-production or Official Co-production (created under treaty frameworks) and attendance at Canada’s TIFF: The Market.
Screen Australia Director of First Nations Strategy Rachel Perkins says the new initiative will help take Indigenous factual storytelling to international audiences through TIFF and global co production opportunities (image – supplied / John Platt)
Screen Australia Director of First Nations Strategy Rachel Perkins (pictured above) said:
“First Nations storytellers around the world share deep cultural connections that transcend time and place, offering powerful, diverse perspectives.”
“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.”
First Nations-owned and operated production companies led by Indigenous practitioners are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be mid-to-established career practitioners with at least two documentary screen credits or have created 60 minutes of factual content broadcast, and be available to attend TIFF: The Market (10-16 September 2026).
The initiative is supported by Screen Australia alongside Screen Canberra, Screen NSW, Screen Queensland, Screen Tasmania, Screen Territory, Screenwest, the South Australian Film Corporation and VicScreen.
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Applications close 5pm AEST Thursday 4 June 2026. More information regarding eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found HERE.
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