With the AACTA Awards and Festival right around the corner, we’ve selected some of the highly anticipated events that we’ll be attending over the five-day program. From industry insights to dissecting storytelling and pursuing a career in the screen industry, the AACTA Festival has something for everyone. Take a look at our program highlights and explore the full program of over 100 events.
Wednesday 5 February
Celebrating the craftsmanship and technical skills behind Australia’s finest film and television at this lavish ceremony.
Thursday 6 February
Sit down for an in-depth conversation with First Nations writers and filmmakers as they share how storytelling can empower truth-telling and reflection, moderated by Screen Queensland’s Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, Danielle Ah Boo.
Torres Strait Storytellers: Creativity Meets Culture
Screen Queensland’s Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit, Danielle Ah Boo, joins the panel of Torres Strait Islander creatives working across creative practice to unpack how their unique cultural perspective shapes their work.
Behind the Blockbuster: Producing Iconic Films
Join renowned US producing team Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (A Quiet Place, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) as they reveal the secrets behind creating some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. In this exclusive session, Fuller and Form will discuss their approach to producing major blockbuster films, including their upcoming project, Anaconda, currently being filmed in Queensland and starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd.
BAFTA Albert + Sustainable Screens Australia Showcase
Screen Queensland’s Chief Creative Officer, Dr Belinda Burns will discuss how we can bring stories to life while protecting the environments that define them with a panellists from BAFTA Albert and Sustainable Screen Australia.
Unlocking Queensland’s Filming Locations
Join Brendan O’Sullivan, Screen Queensland’s Location Services Manager, and a panel of locations experts who will share insight on creating the ‘where’ for a production.
Meet the Creators: Boy Swallows Universe
Set in 1980s Brisbane, this session will explore how the show captured the era’s look, feel, and tone, beautifully translating Trent Dalton’s vivid portrayal from the page to the screen. Join the series’ production designer, costume designer, and cinematographer as they delve into the visual storytelling elements.
Learn essential tips for seamless production in Queensland including budgeting and funding with Screen Queensland’s Head of Production Attraction Naomi Wenck, Studio Manager of Screen Queensland Studios, Cairns, Riannon Del Favero and more.
Industry Update with Screen Agencies
Hear from powerhouse decision-makers from screen agencies around the country, including Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney on the state of the industry, funding strategies and key trends they’re keeping an eye on.
Beyond Tokenism: Paths to an Inclusive and Accessible Industry
This panel will discuss what it means to navigate and actively participate in the screen industry as people with disabilities while facing the perceptions that come with challenges of accessibility and inclusion.
Friday 7 February
Presented by the Foxtel Group, this iconic event honours Australia’s most talented filmmakers and storytellers, celebrating exceptional achievements in film and television and spotlighting the creativity that defines our industry.
Saturday 8 February
Meet industry leaders, universities, training providers, reps from Screen Queensland and some of Gold Coast’s major local employers and kickstart your career in the screen industry.
Screen Industry Workforce Insights
Discover the pathways available to break into the industry, from entry-level roles to advanced positions, and learn about the key national, state, and local initiatives shaping the workforce of tomorrow with Screen Queensland’s Head of Studios and Physical Production, Mark Melrose.
Sunday 9 February
From Fruit Ninja to Feed the Deep with Luke Muscat
From classics like Fruit Ninja, Jetpack Joyride and Landsliders right up to his work today, join Luke fresh from the release of his latest game Feed the Deep, for an in-depth exploration of his journey as a game designer. Discover the inspirations that fuel Luke’s creativity, his design philosophy and his approach to building games that capture the imagination of millions. This session is a must-see for game enthusiasts, aspiring developers, and anyone curious about what makes a game popular.
Adapting Boy Swallows Universe
Take an exclusive, in-depth look at the journey of adapting Boy Swallows Universe, one of Netflix’s most celebrated Australian limited series. This session features author Trent Dalton and screenwriter John Collee as they discuss the creative and technical challenges of transforming Trent’s international best-seller into a unique, award-winning television experience.
Behind the Screens: Digital Creators from Idea to Online
Join this panel as they uncover the skill, craft and creativity behind their online oeuvres. From the moment of inspiration to shooting, editing and uploading, take a look behind the screens at the creative practice these creators pour into the content we consume every day.
Walk the red carpet at the Queensland premiere of Spit, the hilarious Australian comedy with a big heart starring David Wenham. After the screening, join David and the filmmakers, to discuss the creative journey behind bringing this film to life.
The AACTA Awards are proudly presented by Foxtel Group and supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland and Screen Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.
