Screen Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Gillian Moody-Ardler as Head of First Nations Content. A proud Wodi Wodi/Dharawal/Yuin woman, Gillian brings over three decades of industry experience championing First Nations stories, perspectives and creative talent on screen.
An award-winning practitioner, Gillian has worked extensively across the screen industry, including as company director, writer, producer and director for Kalori Productions (Kindred, Family Rules Season 1, Black Divaz, Katele), Production Manager for SBS Indigenous Media Unit and Investment and Development Manager at Screen Australia. She currently serves as part of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s (NFSA) leadership team as the Head of First Nations Engagement, driving the strategy that underpins the NFSA’s programs for the collection, interpretation and protocols for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
In her new role, Gillian will provide creative and operational direction for Screen Australia’s First Nations content investment, including development and production assessment and oversight of creative projects from early development to delivery.
Gillian Moody-Ardler said, “I am thrilled to be stepping into the Head of First Nations Content role where my passion for supporting First Nations creatives to bring authentic, powerful and distinctive stories to screen will continue. I am excited by the growth in our sector since my earlier years at Screen Australia where groundbreaking series Redfern Now went to air on ABC and the acclaimed feature Samson & Delilah screened to the world.”
“I am enthused by the First Nations Department’s continued support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to deliver landmark documentaries that start national conversations to moving dramas with social impact. I have seen the impact on careers that initiatives like Proper Loved Up can have in developing the next generation of First Nations screen talent and I look forward to continuing the work of the department, nurturing talent across all levels from emerging to seasoned professionals and helping them navigate the changing media landscape to ensure First Nations stories are told across all platforms where people are viewing content. I am excited to play a role in funding the next wave of ground-breaking First Nations projects.”
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said, “With her deep understanding of First Nations storytelling and the role this plays in the future success of our screen industry, Gillian is the perfect leader to build on the Department’s legacy. Her creativity and business acumen will ensure the team and the sector receive exceptional support.”
Recently, the First Nations Department has supported bold titles such as Total Control, Sweet Country, Our Medicine, The New Boy, Wolfram, Mystery Road and The Moogai. It also launched romantic comedy short film initiative Proper Loved Up and created opportunities for early-to-mid career creatives to strengthen skills and gain experience in navigating local and global markets.
Commencing in the position on 12 January 2026, Gillian will also work closely with the Director of First Nations, a future appointment focusing on strengthening strategies for First Nations screen representation, nurturing talent and driving collaboration with partner organisations.
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