film and television

Wal Saunders remembered as a trailblazer in Indigenous film

Rhiannon Clarke Published December 3, 2025 at 11.20am (AWST)

The late Mr Walter (Wal) Saunders. Image: Screen Australia, with permission of the family.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this article contains images and names of people who have passed.

Walter (Wal) Saunders, a revolutionary working behind the scenes to bring Indigenous stories to the forefront, has sadly passed away.

A Kilcarer Gunditj and Gilgar Gunditji man of the Gunditjmara of South-West Victoria, Mr Saunders served as the manager of the Indigenous Branch from 1993 to 1999, where he strongly advocated for the recognition of Indigenous storytelling on screen.

Mr Saunders was a leading force for First Nations practitioners in the Australian film landscape and played an integral part in forming the now First Nations Department, previously known as the Indigenous Branch of Screen Australia's predecessor, the Australian Film Commission.

A 2005 Finalist for Australian of the year, his work launched the very first film initiatives for First Nations filmmakers in Australia, supporting filmmakers and creatives to start their careers and laid the groundwork for what has become a vibrant screen community.

Mr Saunders dedicated funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander productions, advocating that First Nations stories be told and owned by First Nations creatives. He established initiatives like, From Sand to Celluloid, Shifting Sands, Crossing Tracks and the touring film festival Hidden Pictures, providing training and resources to First Nations filmmakers.

Eventually, his tireless work shaped the ethos of what is now the First Nations Department at Screen Australia.

*Screen Australia initiative screening, circa 1993/94. (Image: Screen Australia, with permission of the family)*

In a statement issued by Screen Australia, incoming Head of First Nations content, Gillian Moody-Ardler, called Mr Saunders a trailblazer.

"It was an honour to have known Uncle Wal Saunders, a trailblazer for our screen industry, an advocate, a gentleman, fiercely passionate about community, family, the arts, culture and truth-telling," she said.

"At the start of Uncle Wal's time as Manager of the AFC Indigenous Branch in 1993, there was no budget for projects, but through his work and advocacy for filmmakers, the department became a key component of Screen Australia and developed groundbreaking short film initiatives like From Sand to Celluloid.

"Many more programs have followed across the last 30 years, and this initiative approach has remained strong in developing First Nations filmmakers, actors and practitioners' careers.

"May his legacy live on through the expanding First Nations screen sector, through projects that lead with authenticity of voice, with respect for protocols and cultural awareness."

VicScreen also paid tribute to Mr Saunders in a statement.

"Wal had an extensive life, working across multiple arts industries and as a prime instigator of innovative film development programs that promoted the inclusion of Indigenous people," VicScreen said.

"Wal was dedicated to furthering the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and has been a valued member of VicScreen's First Peoples Screen Strategy Working Group. As we continue our work, we will take inspiration from his profound legacy.

"We will miss his wise guidance and the warmth of his generous spirit and offer our heartfelt condolences to Wal's family and friends."

*From Sand to Celluloid (Image: Screen Australia)*

Under the careful guidance of Mr Saunders' From Sand to Celluloid, First Nations filmmaking has grown since the launch three decades ago. His advocacy has left a lasting imprint, and his legacy will live on through the pathways he was instrumental in creating.

Among his other achievements, he was a director, worked on the 1988 Aboriginal current affairs series First In Line for SBS, was the Film Festival / Exhibition Curator of the Aboriginal Film Program, National Film Theatre London, and served as Curricula Development Consultant for AusMusic.

Mr Saunders was also the Acting General Manager for Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Cooperative, Consultant for AFL Players Association, CEO of Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, Cross-Cultural Trainer Film Victoria, and Director of Silvereels Productions in Narrawong. He was also active on numerous community boards and was a devoted deck hand and skipper.