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  The ADG is a signatory to the Global Declaration for Artistic Freedom, Cultural Diversity and Cultural Sovereignty, standing together with over 100 other screen organisations around the world.

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• "We, creators, professionals, companies, and organisations from the film and audiovisual sector, along with culturally engaged citizens, unite to defend our right to tell our own stories – stories rooted in our cultures, languages, and identities – and to ensure that people everywhere can continue to access and enjoy them.

  For decades, governments and institutions around the world have supported film and audiovisual creation through public funding, cultural policy and regulation that foster independent productions and ensure that local stories not only exist but reach both local and global audiences.

  Films and audiovisual works do not just fuel economic growth and global talent circulation, they reflect who we are as societies and envision who we could become. More than enriching our cultural lives, they are essential to a healthy democracy: they support freedom of expression and give voice to the diverse stories and perspectives of humanity.

  Today, the support for independent film and audiovisual storytelling is under growing threat. 

  We are witnessing increasingly aggressive attempts by powerful political and corporate actors to dismantle the regulatory protections that ensure the diversity and accessibility of cultural expression. 

  This includes direct challenges to essential protections such as the Audiovisual Media Services Directive in the European Union, proposed local content obligations in Australia, screen quotas in Asia, and requirements that streaming services contribute to domestic production in Canada, among others. 

  These actions take place alongside wider attacks on pluralism and freedom of expression. If they succeed, it will become increasingly difficult for diverse voices to be heard, for the whole eco-system to create, produce, distribute, promote and exhibit films and audiovisual works successfully, and for local cultures to thrive.

  We therefore firmly oppose any political, legal, or economic initiative that seeks to undermine national or international rules designed to uphold artistic freedom and cultural diversity in the film and audiovisual sector. 

  This includes the right of countries to create and maintain their own cultural policies and regulatory systems, which recognise the importance  to own, control, and monetize our works' intellectual property. Such measures form the foundation of a healthy audiovisual ecosystem, allowing the economic value generated by creative works to benefit domestic creators, reinforcing the cultural sovereignty of local film and audiovisuals sectors around the world, and supporting the international circulation of diverse, independent film and audiovisual works. 

  We also strongly reaffirm the importance of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which marks its 20th anniversary this year. We urge our governments to reinforce its implementation, especially in the face of emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence, algorithm-driven platforms, and the growing dominance of global entertainment conglomerates.

  We call on all governments to stand firm and safeguard the systems that support independent film and audiovisual creation so that culture, creativity, and democratic access to diverse stories for the screen can continue to flourish."

  You can also show your support by signing the petition.
  
  https://chng.it/gSSSvnSDTS

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  The Australian Directors’ Guild represents, advocates for and celebrates Australian screen directors—and we need your help.

  We’re calling on our members and screen community to help us raise awareness and drive support as we launch our Australian Cultural Fund campaign. 

  We know the reality. Directors are under-protected, underpaid, and often overlooked in decision-making. The ADG has been fighting to change that for 44 years. Gains have been incremental due to chronic underfunding. We plan to change that and this campaign is part of that plan. 

  The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a fundraising platform managed by Creative Australia, allowing artists and arts organisations to raise tax-deductible donations. 100% of funds will go directly to the ADG, to advocate for and protect the rights of Australian directors.

  The ADG proudly counts among its members Australia’s most influential and celebrated directors, including Gillian Armstrong, Phillip Noyce, Rachel Perkins, Baz Luhrmann, Daina Reid, Warwick Thornton, and George Miller. Their work has shaped Australian and global cinema and TV, but their success does not reflect the ongoing struggle for fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable careers for all directors in Australia.

  We have a plan: a three-year strategic plan . We are seeking donations to get back on track and get to work on:

  • Establishing sustainable funding streams to ensure long-term stability for the Guild and the directors we serve

  • Delivering a standardised TV Directors Contract, improving pay, conditions and creative protections across the sector

  • Raising minimum employment standards for all screen directors through active industrial campaigning

  • Strengthening career development, mentorships and programs 

  • Celebrating and platforming directors’ work 

  • Enhancing national and state-level advocacy and communications to amplify directors’ leadership and the industry broadly

  • Improving Guild efficiency and governance so that every dollar works harder for directors

  From Mad Max and Muriel’s Wedding to Neighbours and Bluey, our stories connect generations and resonate globally. Screen content shapes our national identity and cultural legacy. 

  Invest in the leadership, vision, and sustainability of Australian screen storytelling.

  #StandWithDirectors #StandWithTheADG

  Spread the word. And if you can, donate.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  ADG AWARDS 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
  
  
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• Photos by Dawei Ye 

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• +SCREEN STORIES 

  
  

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• The ADG is proud to be working with Screen Canberra, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Screen NSW and the ACT Government's Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs to launch the +SCREEN STORIES Mentorship Program - a comprehensive 3-month mentorship for LGBTIQA+ screen storytellers.

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• This bespoke program is being created by esteemed UTS academic Dr Natalie Krikowa. It is a transformative initiative designed to build a dynamic, intergenerational, interdisciplinary network of support and shared expertise within the LGBTIQA+ screen community. This program will uniquely cater to a diverse group of LGBTIQA+ filmmakers, screen storytellers, and game makers. It will provide tailored guidance and support that respects and celebrates their unique identities and experiences.

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• The program will start with the +SCREEN STORIES Symposium and Networking Party on 7 November for all storytellers, followed by an upskilling day at the National Film and Sound Archive on 8 November 2024 to kick off a 3-month mentorship and support program for eligible practitioners.

  Mentors already attached to the program include director Fadia Abboud, writer/directors Julie Kalceff, Alistair Baldwin, AP Pobjoy and Monica Zanetti, writer Martine Delaney, producers Mitchell Stanley, Rosie Lourde and Hannah Ngo, DOP Erika Addis, editors Elliot Magen and Deb Peart, documentarians Dena Curtis and Sam Matthews, and leading game makers.

  This opportunity is currently available to:

• • 10 ACT-based screen practitioners from the LGBTIQA+ community across disciplines
  • 3 NSW-based screen practitioners from the LGBTIQA+ community across disciplines, with Screen NSW providing up to $800 in travel support to each recipient
  • 2 ADG members from the LGBTIQA+ community from across Australia.

+SCREEN STORIES Upskilling Workshop & Mentor Program

Workshop 8 November 2024 (by application): Applications are now open for the upskilling workshop and mentorship program and close at midnight AEST on 20 October 2024. LGBTIQA+ people from all intersecting historically excluded communities, especially those based in regional areas, are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, please visit: screencanberra.com.au/initiatives/screen-stories-mentorship-program/

+SCREEN STORIES Symposium & Networking Party

+SCREEN STORIES Symposium and Networking Party on 7 November 2024 will be open to all storytellers, with a speaker line up to be announced shortly. Tickets are available now via screencanberra.com.au/initiatives/screen-stories-symposium/

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THE ADG WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

ADG elections have concluded and we are delighted to introduce you to the uncontested candidates now joining the Board.

Secretary: Victoria Thaine

Treasurer: Michael Rymer

VP New Media: Tony Walsh

(VP Documentary: vacant) 

 

Victoria Thaine (VIC)

Secretary

Victoria is an award-winning actor, writer and director who has worked across film and television for over twenty years. She recently appeared in the mini-series Scrubland for Stan and BBC4. She wrote & directed the award-winning short film The Kingdom of Doug and the short-form series Sonia & Cherry. In 2023 she directed the short form series Plausible Deniability. She has a production company Cloudberry Films, with producer Naomi Mulholland. Victoria complements her creative roles with expertise in leadership and workplace culture. She has a Graduate Certificate in Business, certification as an Executive & Team Coach, is a Graduate of the Australian Company Directors course and is currently completing a Masters in Organisational and Social Leadership.

  

Michael Rymer (VIC/QLD)

Treasurer

Michael Rymer is a renowned Australian director, celebrated for his debut film Angel Baby, which secured three AFI Awards for Best Feature, Director, and Original Screenplay. He has directed several feature films including Queen of the Damned and Face to Face, the latter receiving extensive international festival acclaim. Rymer’s notable TV work includes directing and producing Battlestar Galactica, earning an Emmy nomination, and episodes for American Horror Story: Asylum, which brought him a DGA nomination. Recently, he directed the final two episodes of Picnic at Hanging Rock and the first two episodes of Fires. His career spans significant contributions to both film and television.

 

Tony Walsh (QLD)

Vice President New Media

With over a decade of experience as a director across commercial, short form documentary 

& narrative, Tony’s work has redefined brands, championed NGOs, even brought a shift at

the polls. Getting his start on sets directing EPK and ancillary content for companies including Matchbox Pictures, Hoodlum & Ludo, he has since co-founded the Brisbane-based production company Stranger Films as a platform to tell bold, curious and unexpected stories. Tony has

a passion for pushing the boundaries of emerging formats and experimenting with new technology for creative applications. Two of his projects have received funding from Screen Queensland, with his latest premiering at SXSW. The post-election report from the Australian Electoral Commission will be published on our website and available to members on request.

WE FAREWELL FOUR ESTEEMED BOARD MEMBERS

ADG Board and staff acknowledge and thank our four esteemed board members who are stepping aside: Stephen Wallace, Pearl Tan, Daina Reid and Anna Broinowski.

Stephen Wallace (Stir, Blood Oath, Turtle Beach) was a founding signatory of the Guild

and has been a consecutive Board member for the past 33 years. He was President from 1991 to 2000 and has stewarded ADG finances in recent years as Treasurer. His work has been recognised with the Cecil Holmes Award, which acknowledged his advocacy for directorial rights and contributions to the community. Was awarded an Order of Australia

in 2005. Stephen’s legacy includes not only his cinematic work but also his advocacy for directors' rights, which has helped shape the industry. 

Pearl Tan (Minority Box, The Casting Game), as Vice President of New Media, has brought invaluable insight into the evolving digital landscape and pathways for emerging directors. Pearl is also a pivotal figure in advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in the Australian film and TV industry and has contributed to the ADG significantly.

Daina Reid (Run Rabbit Run, The Handmaid’s Tale) ADG Secretary, has been generous

and thoughtful in her role on the Board. Beyond her directorial accomplishments, Daina has contributed to our work in advancing industry standards and actively worked at promoting diversity and inclusion within the screen industry.

Anna Broinowski (Forbidden Lie$, Aim High in Creation), as VP Documentary, has advocated for and offered the perspective of documentary directors to Board and staff of the ADG. Anna’s approach to documentary filmmaking is characterized by a willingness to tackle complex issues and this has carried across. Anna has provided invaluable guidance and advice to members and staff on their behalf.

We are immensely thankful to Anna, Stephen, Pearl, and Daina for their service, 

which has set a high standard for leadership and excellence.

Sophie Harper

Executive Director