by FIlmInk Staff
The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced a new partnership with Netflix ANZ to provide two scholarships for First Nations Australians to study full time at AFTRS’ Sydney campus.
The Netflix First Nations Pathways Scholarships, valued at $50,000 each, are open to participants of AFTRS’ ground-breaking On Country Pathways Program (OCPP), a First Nations-led initiative that delivers bespoke film, audio and storytelling workshops on Country, in remote, rural and regional areas of Australia.
More than 120 First Nations emerging creators – across film, television, radio and podcasting – have participated in the On Country Pathways Program in Warmun (WA), Bidyadanga (WA), Cairns (QLD), Eden and Gadigal (NSW), and will be eligible to apply for these two new scholarships.
The scholarships come with complimentary access to AFTRS’ range of short courses, as well as tailored mentorship programs.
AFTRS Director, First Nations and Outreach, Peter Noble, said the School is delighted to partner with Netflix on these transformative scholarship opportunities, which extend the reach of the OCPP and offer talented First Nations storytellers access to world-class training that would otherwise be out of reach.
“For First Nations creatives from regional and remote communities, the pathway from On Country training into an AFTRS award course at the Sydney campus is often shaped by structural barriers, such as relocation and ongoing accommodation and travel costs, living and study costs – including equipment and connectivity – and reduced access to vital industry networks,” he said.
“The Netflix First Nations Pathways Scholarships directly tackle these barriers to education and industry access, providing a welcome opportunity for accessibility to world-class training, which ultimately enriches Australia’s storytelling landscape.”
AFTRS and Netflix have a strong track record of collaboration, including the two-year Netflix Indigenous Scholarship Fund, announced in 2021, to elevate Indigenous creatives and voices in Australia’s screen and broadcast industries. The recipients included Nazareth Alfred (MA Screen: Directing), Dylan Nicholls (MA Screen: Documentary 2024), and Samantha Laughton (MA Screen: Business).
Debra Richards, Director of Policy, Studio and Production at Netflix ANZ, said: “Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways we connect with each other, and it’s critical that the next generation of Australian storytellers reflects the breadth and richness of communities across the country.
“Through this partnership with AFTRS, we’re proud to help create more accessible pathways for First Nations creatives to develop their craft, build industry connections and bring their stories to life. Supporting emerging voices has always been central to Netflix’s commitment in Australia, and we’re excited to continue working with AFTRS to help foster the future of First Nations storytelling.”
Netflix and AFTRS are also currently partnering on a new Leadership Skills for Screen short course, designed to upskill Heads of Department and people managers in screen production.
Applications for the Scholarships will open June 17 and will be available for study in the 2027 academic year.
Photo: AFTRS On Country Pathways Program – Sasha Parlett, one of the participants
