First Nations filmmaker Dylan River felt deeply honored to be named the inaugural recipient of the Australian Directors' Guild's Baz Luhrmann Pathfinder Award.

Presented for the first time during the ADG Awards on Friday night, the Pathfinder Award celebrates directors who forge their own paths and bring fresh, exciting perspectives to screen storytelling.

One of two special awards presented alongside 19 individual directing categories spanning film, television, and online media, it recognises River's remarkable contributions to the industry.

For the Kaytetye man, whose filmmaking career spans more than a decade and a half, this represents a significant milestone.

Mr River's creative journey began early, driven by his passion for cinematography and storytelling. Over the years, he has seamlessly moved between roles as a cinematographer, director, and screenwriter, always staying connected to the heart of his stories.

From feature-length documentaries to critically acclaimed television series, his work reflects a commitment to truth and authenticity.

"Everything I do, I am connected to in some way," he said.

"I try to find that connection early on in the process. It unlocks a clear direction to take and helps keep the fire burning."

When he was 22-years-old he made his first feature-length documentary, an experience that taught him valuable lessons in confidence and collaboration.

"At that age, I knew nothing, but I was good at pretending I did," said Mr River.

"I learned a lot by being confident but at the same time keeping an open mind to everyone's suggestions around me. I feel that's the same way I work today."

His work includes directing and writing episodes of Mystery Road: Origin (2022) and serving as co-creator and director of the recent series Thou Shalt Not Steal.

In between, he has won accolades for his documentaries, both in Australia and overseas. Despite these achievements, Mr River is modest about his success.

"I am my own worst critic, and I don't think anything I do is that special," he said.

"To be honest, if I have ever felt like I've defined my own path, it would only be now."

The award, named after legendary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, recognises directors who tell stories with a distinctive voice. Mr Luhrmann stated that Mr River was the perfect inaugural recipient for his distinctive and exciting approach to filmmaking.

"We may ask what is a Pathfinder when it comes to film. It's not just that you take part to find a story that you have to tell – a story that you need to get out – but the way you get it out," said Mr Luhrmann.

"It's your language, your particular way of telling a story that defines a Pathfinder and there couldn't be more exciting first recipient of this award than Dylan River."

Hearing Mr Luhrmann's praise was a humbling moment For Mr River.

"Baz is one of those special storytellers who has done things his way from the start and never strayed from that," he said.

"It's inspiring the way he continues to shoot his pictures at home, with the crews and talent that we have here. It's something I will strive to do in my future."

While his filmmaking roots are deep, his journey hasn't been without challenges. As the son of filmmakers Warwick Thornton and Penelope McDonald, he acknowledges the perceptions surrounding his family's involvement in the industry and has worked hard to establish his own identity as a filmmaker.

"The most challenging part would be the outside view of my family being in the industry, and the idea that some may think I got things given to me," he said.

"It's something I've always been very aware of, and in response, I've strived to do my own thing and prove that point of view wrong."

After wrapping up the two-year project Thou Shalt Not Steal, Mr River plans to take a much-needed break to recharge. However, he remains passionate about telling stories that stand out.

For aspiring filmmakers, his advice is straightforward:

"Tell stories that are unique to you and your point of view. In doing so, it will be individual and stand out."

With his dedication to authenticity and a storytelling style that resonates deeply with audiences, Dylan River has firmly established himself as one of Australia's most exciting filmmakers.