Screen Australia's First Nations Department has announced funding for 19 new projects, including 16 in development, with a total of more than $3 million allocated.
This investment continues the agency's focus on supporting First Nations voices and storytelling.
Among the funded projects is Warwick Thornton's Wolfram, a sequel to Sweet Country, as well as two documentaries for NITV that will explore topics of sport and politics.
The projects reflect Screen Australia's commitment to the Federal Government's National Cultural Policy Revive, aligning with the First Nations First pillar, which prioritises First Nations stories at the heart of Australia's arts and culture.
Malyangapa and Māori woman and Screen Australia's Head of First Nations, Angela Bates saidt First Nations creatives are leading Australian storytelling, with numerous projects gaining international recognition and many more in progress.
"Our First Nations creatives are at the forefront of Australian storytelling, with many incredible projects being celebrated on the world stage and even more in development," Ms Bates said.
"The demand for our funding has never been higher, which is a positive sign for the industry.
"Across the 23/24FY, our Department invested over $7.1 million of funding including 105 opportunities across development, production, initiatives, attachments and market support - highlighting the incredible talent and rich narratives within Indigenous communities."
This funding announcement comes after a successful year for First Nations stories and creatives.
Feature films The New Boy and The Moogai earned international recognition, while the third season of the drama Total Control became the most-watched First Nations series in 2023/24.
The children's show Little J & Big Cuz returned for its fourth season on NITV and ABC, featuring 17 language groups and giving a strong voice to children across Australia.
Additionally, the documentary Kindred premiered on NITV in June, showcasing the strength of cultural connection.
"It's an exciting time for First Nations content creators, and we're witnessing a new wave of talent," Ms Bates said.
"Looking ahead, we will continue to create pathways for these storytellers to thrive and expand their careers in the competitive global marketplace, collaborating with industry to enhance project visibility and impact."
In the past year, the Department invested $1 million in the Enterprise program, supporting four First Nations businesses and three practitioners.
It also partnered with Instagram Australia for the First Nations Creators Program, helping emerging talent in digital content creation, while funding six projects through the First Facts initiative, allowing filmmakers to produce 10-minute documentaries for Network 10.
Friday's announcement includes three television dramas, 11 feature films, and two documentaries that will receive over $540,000 in development funding.
Notable projects include the feature film Native Gods from 2024 Enterprise Business recipient Djali House; the comedy series Long Story Short by writer and director Tanith Glynn-Maloney; the documentary Fire Country, which examines Indigenous fire knowledge; and the feature film RED, which focuses on eight Western Australian First Nations women revealing the harsh reality of being surrounded by the missing.
