by FilmInk Staff
Queer Screen announces its inaugural Queer Screen Studio line-up as part of this year’s Queer Screen Film Fest. The event brings filmmakers, producers, screen agencies, and other industry professionals together for a full day at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), located at The Entertainment Quarter, Building 130, Bent St, Moore Park NSW 2021, from 10:30 am to 5 pm on Sunday, 6 September.
Queer Screen Studio, supported by Screen NSW and AFTRS, empowers LGBTIQ+ screen creators at every stage of their career, bridging the gap between emerging talent and established filmmakers. Through expert masterclasses, pitching sessions, and candid conversations, the initiative shares vital industry resources and insider knowledge. Beyond being Australia’s first dedicated LGBTIQ+ screen industry conference, it provides a safe, welcoming space for queer filmmakers and allies, cementing the city’s position as a premier Asia-Pacific hub for queer cinema and industry collaboration.
“Queer Screen is dedicated to elevating LGBTIQ+ storytelling globally, while ensuring local queer stories get the chance to be made and shared on the big screen,” says Benson Wu, CEO of Queer Screen. “There’s a clear industry gap when it comes to taking projects and careers to the next level. Queer Screen Studio is designed to fill that gap and cement our city as a global hub for queer cinema. By bringing people together for candid, practical conversations, we are creating pathways for LGBTIQ+ screen creators and strengthening our community.”
Queer Screen Studio program brings together some of Australia’s most experienced screen practitioners for a series of candid, practical conversations, including:
● Pitching to Buyers, Industry and Funding Bodies
Join us with Sleena Wilson (Head of Development at Causeway Films), Angie Fielder (Principal Producer at Aquarius Films), and New Zealand filmmaker Paloma Schneideman (Big Girls Don’t Cry, QSFF26) as they share practical advice on how to pitch your upcoming projects to a wide range of funding bodies—from government agencies and production companies to film festival funds and private investors. Moderated by Rosie Braye, Screen Investment Manager at Screen NSW.
● Leviticus: From Script to Screen:
Join cinematographer Tyson Perkins, editor Nick Fenton, and producer Samantha Jennings as they pull back the curtain on the queer horror hit Leviticus. The panel will uncover key creative secrets behind the film’s journey—from script development through production and post-production, including shooting and editing. Moderated by award-winning cinematographer and Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) Life Member, Peter James.
● Finding Your Audience and Getting to Screen:
What comes after picture lock? Join award-winning director and producer Maya Newell, CEO of Independent Cinemas Australia Nick Hayes, and CEO of Queer Screen Benson Wu to help you find your voice and define your audience. Discover how to navigate the festival circuit, engage with industry markets, and build a powerful impact campaign. Moderated by Toni Stowers, Investment Manager of Narrative Content at Screen Australia.
● Masterclass with Goran Stolevski:
Acclaimed filmmaker Goran Stolevski (Of An Age; You Won’t Be Alone; Housekeeping for Beginners) takes participants through his creative journey—from directing more than 20 short films to achieving feature-film success. He will share practical insights into his creative process, pitching, directing, and building a sustainable filmmaking career. Moderated by Simon Smith, Discipline Lead for the Master of Arts Screen at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS). Across the day, Queer Screen Studio will explore both the creative and business sides of screen production – from developing and financing a project to finding audiences, navigating international markets and building a long-term career.
For Queer Screen, the event is also part of a broader ambition to strengthen Sydney’s position as a hub for LGBTIQ+ cinema and create greater pathways for queer stories and storytellers to reach audiences in Australia and around the world.
● Date: Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:30 am – 5 pm
● Location: Australian Film Television and Radio School
● Cost: $69 Full Price | $49 Concession | $49 Queer Screen Member
● For more details and to register:
● Register here: https://queerscreen.org.au/sessions/queer-screen-studio/
