Gillian Moody-Ardler will start work as the Head of First Nations Content at Screen Australia in 2026, bringing over three decades of industry experience championing First Nations stories, perspectives and creative talent on screen.
An award-winning practitioner, Ms Moody-Ardler 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.
A proud Wodi Wodi/Dharawal/Yuin woman (Wollongong and southern NSW coastal areas to Nowra), 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.
Ms Moody-Ardler will now 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.
"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," she said.
Ms Moody-Ardler said she is excited to play a role in funding the next wave of ground-breaking First Nations projects.
"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," she said.
"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."
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said the creativity and business acumen Ms Moody-Ardler brings to Screen Australia will ensure the team and the sector receive exceptional support.
"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," Ms Brennan said.
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.
