Proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman Rachel Perkins will help guide the future of First Nations storytelling in Australia after being appointed as Screen Australia's new Director of First Nations Strategy.
The newly created role will see Perkins lead the strategic direction of Screen Australia's First Nations Department, with a focus on future policy, investment priorities and stronger engagement across government, culture and the screen industry.
Perkins is one of the most influential figures in Australian screen.
Across more than three decades, she has built a powerful body of work as a director, writer and producer, while also playing a major role in pushing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-representation and equity across the industry.
Perkins is perhaps best known as the co-founder of Blackfella Films, the production company she launched in 1992 and helped shape into one of the country's most important creative forces before she stepped away in 2022.
Her screen credits include Mystery Road, Total Control, The Australian Wars, Redfern Now, Bran Nue Dae, Radiance, Mabo and First Australians.
Her influence stretches well beyond the screen itself.
Perkins has also brought her experience to leadership and governance roles with Screen Australia, AFTRS, SBS, ABC, the Australian Film Commission, NITV, Indigenous Screen Australia, the NSW Film and Television Office, the National Indigenous Media Association of Australia and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance.
In a statement released by Screen Australia, Perkins said she was proud to take on the role and help strengthen opportunities for First Nations creatives and businesses.
"Screen Australia has such an important role in our nation's cultural ecosystem, so I'm proud to play my part in ensuring all Australians continue to see themselves represented on screen," Perkins said.
"In particular, I'm passionate about the opportunity to provide the strategic support for First Nations creators and businesses to be empowered, own their stories and thrive."
Perkins said she was also eager to continue the legacy of the First Nations Department and support the next wave of storytellers.
"The First Nations Department has a long legacy of incredible work," she said.
"I'm keen to continue championing our exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners and forge a path for the next generation of talent - delivering the kind of stories that will enrich and uplift the entirety of Australia's innovative screen industry and audiences across the globe."
Screen Australia chief executive Deirdre Brennan said the appointment was a significant one for both the organisation and the broader industry.
"Rachel's appointment marks a bold new chapter, not just for Screen Australia's First Nations Department, but for the future of local storytelling as a whole," Brennan said.
"We created this new role because First Nations stories and contribution to our industry are more important than ever.
"Rachel's deep experience across content, education, culture, advocacy and complex organisations makes her uniquely positioned to shape an exciting future for Screen Australia.
"No doubt she'll continue to strengthen a vibrant screen industry that reflects the depth and diversity of Australian stories."
Perkins starts in the role on March 2 and will report directly to Brennan, while also working closely with recently appointed Head of First Nations Content Gillian Moody-Ardler.
