News

Join us for a special in-conversation event with Lesli Linka Glatter, President of the Directors Guild of America and legendary director of Homeland, Mad Men, The Morning Show, Twin Peaks, Gilmore Girls and Zero Day.

Lesli will be in conversation with acclaimed Taiwanese-Australian director Corrie Chen.

The ADG, DGA, VCA and VicScreen bring you this exclusive directing deep dive, offering ADG Members, industry and audiences a rare chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in contemporary television.

Together Lesli and Corrie will explore the craft of directing through Lesli's incredible body of work, and what it takes to lead creatively at the highest level in today’s global industry.

Refreshments 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Tickets available here

FED Hall, VCA.

Join us for a special in-conversation event with Lesli Linka Glatter, President of the Directors Guild of America and legendary director of Homeland, Mad Men, The Morning Show, Twin Peaks, Gilmore Girls and Zero Day.

Lesli will be in conversation with acclaimed Taiwanese-Australian director Corrie Chen.

The ADG, DGA, Screen NSW and AFTRS bring you this exclusive directing deep dive, offering ADG Members, industry and audiences a rare chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in contemporary television.

Together Lesli and Corrie will explore the craft of directing through Lesli's incredible body of work, and what it takes to lead creatively at the highest level in today’s global industry.

AUSLAN interpreted.

Drinks 5.30 to 6.30.

Tickets available here

Spaces are limited.

CHERIE NOWLAN

In conversation with Rowan Woods

The Australian Directors Guild with the University of Technology Sydney present the Directors’ Deep Dive 2025 series featuring Australian screen directors in conversation, introduced by Associate Professor Alex Munt (UTS) and moderated by acclaimed director Rowan Woods (ADG). 

Location: UTS ‘Rizzo’ Theatre 702 Harris Street Ultimo

Building 6, Level 3, Room 022

Tickets are for ADG members only, and available for FREE HERE

Cherie Nowlan is an awarding winning director and executive producer of film and television, working extensively in the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Cherie is an Executive Producer and Director of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, THE SURVIVORS (2025), produced by Tony Ayres Productions. The series reached #2 on the Netflix global streaming charts. Cherie’s career has spanned film and television in Australia and the USA. Her many credits include some of Netflix’s biggest hits – YOU, OUTERBANKS, and CLICKBAIT, as well as Amazon’s SNEAKY PETE and THE WILDS, which was nominated for a GLADD award, and Hulu’s REPRISAL and HELSTROM (Marvel). She also directed two US pilots including MISTRESSES for ABC as well as SUITS, ANIMAL KINGDOM, SEAL TEAM, HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER, GREY’S ANATOMY, THE GOOD DOCTOR, LAW & ORDER ORGANISED CRIME, CHICAGO MED, CHICAGO PD, RIVERDALE and the comedy series, YOUNG ROCK, CLAWS and SPEECHLESS. Cherie’s Australian credits include the multi award-winning limited series, MARKING TIME, for which Cherie won an AFI (AACTA) Award for Best Director. Her 2007 feature, CLUBLAND (aka INTRODUCING THE DWIGHTS), starring Brenda Blethyn, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for 11 AFI (AACTA) awards including Best Director and Best Actress. Cherie’s first feature, THANK GOD HE MET LIZZIE (1997), starred Cate Blanchett, Frances O’Connor and Richard Roxburgh, and was nominated for 5 AFI Awards.

Rowan Woods is an Australian screen director and Board Member of the Australian Directors Guild (ADG). He is also Coordinator of the Australian Coalition for Cultural Diversity (ACCD), consisting of major Australian screen organizations, guilds, and collection agencies. He recently completed a 6-year stint as Head of Directing at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and is currently completing a PHD at the University of Technology in Sydney. Rowan Woods’ debut feature film THE BOYS premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival (1998) and won Best Director at the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards. His second feature film LITTLE FISH (2005) starred Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving and was nominated for 13 AFI Awards. Rowan Woods has also directed many TV and streamed series. Highlights include: an ADG Award for Best Direction in a Telemovie for THE BROKEN SHORE (2013); Special Jury Prize at Series Mania for THE KETTERING INCIDENT (2016); and a BAFTA for NOWHERE BOYS (2019).

Presented by RMIT’s School of Media & Communication
in partnership with the Australian Directors Guild (ADG) & Women in Film and Television (WIFT Vic.)

RMIT Kaleide Theatre
360 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Doors open 5:40PM | Conversation 6:00-7:00 PM

Free entry

Join us for an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ with acclaimed director Kate Woods, whose career spans decades of powerful storytelling across Australia and the U.S. Her debut feature Looking for Alibrandi celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and her new film Kangaroo premieres in cinemas this September.

From directing The Lincoln Lawyer, The Umbrella Academy, and The Good Lord Bird, to beloved Australian series like Changi, Farscape, and Wildside, Kate will share insights into her creative process, navigating international screen industries, and her return to feature filmmaking with Kangaroo—a heart-warming outback adventure with big laughs and big heart.

Moderated by:
Mark Poole, Chair of ADG Victoria, filmmaker and screenwriter

All directors, filmmakers, students, screen professionals, and film lovers welcome. 

Bookings here

Diverse voices and inclusive storytelling triumph at Australian Directors’ Guild Awards

The Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG) Awards has highlighted the extraordinary breadth and depth of talent among Australian screen directors, with this year’s winners comprising screen legends, emerging voices and innovative storytellers. 

George Miller, one of Australia’s most celebrated filmmakers, added to his legacy with a win for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga in the Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget $1.5M or over) category.

Tying for equal first with Miller for the top award were Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett for Uproar, a coming-of-age comedy-drama set in New Zealand during the controversial 1981 South African rugby tour that sparked nationwide protests against apartheid and racism.

Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget under $1.5M) went to Haydn Butler for Home Kills, a dark comedy that follows a young butcher’s apprentice who gets entangled in a web of crime when she discovers a body in a meat chiller.

Australian Directors’ Guild Executive Director Sophie Harper said distinct voices and inclusive narratives were a recurring theme among the winners announced tonight at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre, reflecting Australia’s vibrant cultural diversity. In addition to best directing awards across 19 categories, two special ADG awards were presented in recognition of extraordinary contributions to directing.

Best Direction of a Debut Feature was won by Natalie Bailey for Audrey, a heartfelt drama about a young woman struggling to find her place after a personal tragedy disrupts her life. Annelise Hickey’s Hafekasi, which explores mixed-race identity, was recognised for Best Direction of a Short Film, while Best Direction of a Student Film went to Veniamin Gialouris for Gorgo, which follows a Greek bride set to marry a man in Australia she’s never met.

Best Direction in Online Longform went to Jessica Smith for Videoland S1 E1 & E2, about 17-year-old Hayley, a video store clerk exploring her lesbian identity. Best Direction of a Documentary Series Episode or One-Off was awarded to Serge Ou for RUNN, chronicling Nedd Brockmann's remarkable journey as he runs across Australia to raise funds for homelessness.

Best Direction of a Feature Documentary went to Frances Elliott and Samantha Marlowe for Renee Gracie: Fireproof, which shines a light on former Supercars driver Renee Gracie’s unconventional career pivot, while Best Direction of a Drama Series Episode went to Emma Freeman for Fake S1E5.

The first of the Australian Directors’ Guild special awards, the Cecil Holmes Award, was presented to acclaimed Australian screen director, producer and writer Robert Connolly in recognition of his remarkable career and advocacy for Australian cinema.

“Robert Connolly has shaped the industry through groundbreaking works and relentless support for emerging talent. He has established a reputation as a brilliant producer and mentor to directors with ‘difficult to finance’, diverse Australian feature film projects,” ADG President Rowan Woods said. 

“He is an important critical thinker and thought leader who has been able to cut through institutional, financial and creative blockages to the financing, development and production of Australian screen stories. This award is a very loud thank you to Robert for his bravery, generosity and advocacy for Australian screen directors.”

The inaugural Baz Luhrmann Pathfinder Award, celebrating a director who has carved out a unique creative path, was presented to Indigenous director Dylan River – known for his deeply personal and innovative work across scripted and documentary forms.

“From directing Mystery Road: Origin to co-creating Thou Shalt Not Steal, Dylan River’s mastery of cinematography and dedication to truth-telling have earned him widespread acclaim. As the first recipient of this award, Dylan embodies the spirit of finding new and exciting ways to tell screen stories,” said Mr Woods.

Ms Harper added that this year’s ADG Awards, supported by the Australian Screen Directors Authorship Collecting Society (ASDACS), showcased Australian directors’ versatility, whether creating heartfelt humour, gripping drama or innovative online stories that push the boundaries of interactive and immersive content.

“The winners demonstrate the incredible breadth of Australian directing talent, from seasoned icons to bold new voices, and the special awards for Robert Connolly and Dylan River highlight our industry’s dedication to nurturing creativity and recognising excellence at every stage of a director’s career,” Ms Harper said.

Full list of 2024 Australian Directors’ Guild award winners

Award	Winner
Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget $1.5 M or over)	Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett Uproar  (TIE)
Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget $1.5 M or over)	George Miller Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga  (TIE)
Best Direction of a Feature Film (Budget under $1.5 M)	Haydn Butler Home Kills
Best Direction of a Feature Documentary	Frances Elliott and Samantha Marlowe Renee Gracie: Fireproof
Best Direction of a Debut Feature	Natalie Bailey Audrey
Best Direction of a Miniseries Episode	Bonnie Moir Exposure S1 E5
Best Direction of a Drama Series Episode	Emma Freeman Fake S1 E5
Best Direction of a Documentary Series Episode or One-Off	Serge Ou RUNN
Best Direction of a Short Documentary	Brietta Hague Compass S39 E10 - Not In My Name
Best Direction of an Animation	Alexs Stadermann 200% Wolf  (TIE)
Best Direction of an Animation	Tania Vincent and Ricard Cussó The Sloth Lane  (TIE)
Best Direction of a Short Film	Annelise Hickey Hafekasi
Best Direction of a Student Film	Veniamin Gialouris Gorgo
Best Direction of a Commercial Advertisement	Tim Bullock AAMI: Athletes In The Making
Best Direction of Commercial Content	Sarah Hickey Monster & Bear: The Perfect Brief
Best Direction of a Music Video	Mick Soiza Semiiré: Decisions
Best Direction of an Interactive or Immersive Project	Logan Mucha A Beat To Hold Back The Dawn
Best Direction in Online Longform	Jessica Smith Videoland S1 E1 & E2
Best Direction in Online Shortform	Kaius Potter Fluff - Before The Mirror
Best Direction of a Comedy Series Episode	Helena Brooks Population: 11 S1 E10 - Like Father, Like Son
Best Direction of a Children’s Series Episode	Rosemary Myers Beep and Mort S2 E2 - Today! The Musical
Cecil Holmes Award	Robert Connolly
Baz Luhrmann Pathfinder Award	Dylan River

The ADG extends a huge thank you to all our Awards Sponsors for their incredible support in showcasing the amazing talent of Australian Screen Directors at the 2024 ADG Awards. We could not do this without you!

Film director, animator, and artist Gregory was best known for his experimental award-winning animations. His career spanned three decades, starting with his first film, INFINITY, in 1992, which he made as a student of COFA at UNSW, and ending with his last, SUPERNOVA, in 2013.

Continuing the legacy of European and North American avant-garde filmmakers Jonas Mekas and Maya Deren and the more recent styles of Japanese and Czech animators Takashi Ito and Jan Švankmajer, Gregory’s in-camera effects and stop-motion techniques, not to mention his themes of the solace to the horror of the quotidian were highly influential for a new generation of experimental filmmakers.

His works were regularly featured on SBS’s Eat Carpet program, showcasing Australian short films from 1989 to 2005 and are part of ACMI and MUBI’s collections. Gregory was an active member of the local film community, advising on funding panels for Screen NSW and frequently contributing to the running of local arthouse screenings such as ‘Side On’ and exhibitions in Sydney’s Inner West. Gregory came into mainstream view when he became a Tropfest Finalist in 2006 with A ROOM WITH ASKEW.

Perhaps the best description of his filmmaking life is his own: “Born in Sydney, Gregory Godhard continues to (mis)spend his time as an animator, experimental film-maker and artist. He has produced, directed and animated twelve short experimental 16mm films. His films have screened in numerous festivals around the world, picking up the occasional award and funny-looking trophy.”(San Francisco Cinematheque 2010 https://www.sfcinematheque.org/)

Vale Director Bill Hughes

Director Bill Hughes’ extraordinary career leaves a lasting legacy in the Australian screen industry. Bill died in Doonan Queensland on April 7th, just weeks before his 80th birthday. 

We are reaching out on behalf of John Hughes to invite contributions to an obituary for his brother, who was known and admired by many of our members.

Bill’s professional life was extraordinarily prolific; he made an incredible contribution to the history of Australian television in particular. From Crawfords (HOMICIDE) in the 1960s through to producing and directing TV into the early 21st century. He won numerous AFI, AACTA and Logie Awards for shows he produced and directed. Bill produced PHOENIX, JANUS, CHANGI and A FORTUNATE LIFE, THE FARM and JACKAROO. Bill produced THE INTERVIEW (Craig Monahan 1998).

Over five decades, he directed episodes of nearly every notable TV miniseries and serial, including A COUNTRY PRACTICE,THE FLYING DOCTORS, THE SULLIVANS, HOME AND AWAY (30 episodes), WINNERS AND LOSERS, ALL SAINTS (Producer Director) and COP SHOP. He produced PACKED TO THE RAFTERS (Series 6),  McLEOD’s Daughters, among others.

Bill was highly regarded throughout the industry with a ‘maverick’ reputation for very high standards and exacting work. Sadly, the people who might write about Bill’s contribution first hand like Michael Carson, Robert Casswell, Alison Nisselle or Jill Robb are mostly also no longer with us. 

Bill is survived by his son Justin, grandson Maxwell, first wife Ellen, stepchildren Kia and Chris, and loving partner Tonia. Events celebrating his life and work will be announced soon.

You are invited to share your memories and insights about Bill’s contributions to our industry and culture. Please send your contributions to admin@adg.org.au .

Click here to read more

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

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.