by FilmInk Staff
Specialised peer-led filmmaking program moves to AFTRS Moore Park campus, with new Saturday morning workshops.
Bus Stop Films, a not-for-profit social enterprise that uses filmmaking to make the world more inclusive, is excited to announce a partnership with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) for their 2026 PLACES Program, marking a significant expansion of this specialised filmmaking initiative.
This expansion builds on Bus Stop Films’ longstanding partnership with AFTRS, where the organisation has been successfully delivering its flagship Accessible Filmmaking Program since 2010. The addition of PLACES deepens the Bus Stop Films and AFTRS collaboration and reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to creating pathways for people with disability in the screen industry. By bringing PLACES to AFTRS, Bus Stop Films is able to offer participants access to the same world-class facilities and industry-standard equipment that train Australia’s leading screen practitioners.
PLACES, Bus Stop Films’ advanced Accessible Filmmaking Program for people with disability, will move from its previous Southern Sydney location at ShopFront Arts Co-Op to AFTRS’ state-of-the-art facilities in Moore Park. In 2026 the PLACES Program will run on Saturday mornings, making the program more accessible to participants who may have weekday commitments.
The 20-week program includes workshops, community excursions, and the collaborative creation of a short film, with participants learning specialised skills across three streams: Camera and Lighting, Directing, and Screenwriting.
Now in its third year, PLACES, which stands for Peer-led filmmaking, Leadership, Advocacy, Creative and artistic outlets, Employment pathways, and Social and community connections, was co-designed through funding from the Australian Government’s Resilient Communities Grant. The program aims to address the significant underrepresentation of people with disability in front of and behind the camera in the filmmaking industry.
Led by passionate filmmakers and disability support workers, each 3-hour workshop provides participants with a film school-like experience in a supportive, collaborative environment. The program is as much about the process of making the film and empowering participants as it is about the final product.
Participants develop specialist capacity and skills while gaining social confidence, leadership abilities, and work-ready skills. The PLACES Program provides creative outlets that enhance quality of life, promote community inclusion and social connection, support self-expression and identity, and open pathways to employment opportunities.
The 2026 program is open to 15 participants across the three streams, with a maximum of 5 people per stream, making enrolment highly competitive. Interested participants can find more information and enrolment details on the Bus Stop Films website.
“This partnership with AFTRS represents an incredible opportunity for our PLACES participants,” said Laura Imbruglia, Bus Stop Films’ General Manager of Programs. “PLACES provides participants with a chance to get up close and personal in their chosen area of specialty in the filmmaking process. The AFTRS home for 2026 is going to provide them with an even richer filmmaking experience, and no doubt lead to future networks and pathways into the industry.”
AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood said this initiative represented a meaningful extension of AFTRS valued partnership with Bus Stop Films.
“We’re proud to continue to support Bus Stop Film’s important work – not only by providing access to our facilities, but by collaborating with an organisation that shares our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and representative screen industry that reflects the diversity and richness of Australian stories.”
Beyond their film industry exposure, participants develop improved social, communication, and work-ready skills that extend far beyond the program. Bus Stop Films is known for its inclusive storytelling, with films being recognised both locally and internationally.
For more information about the PLACES Program and enrolment details, visit https://busstopfilms.com.au/places-program/ or contact Bus Stop Films at hello@busstopfilms.com.au
About Bus Stop Films
Bus Stop Films is a globally pioneering, award-winning not-for-profit organisation that uses filmmaking to make the world more inclusive. Since 2009, Bus Stop Films has been delivering transformative filmmaking programs for people living with intellectual disability and autism, creating award-winning films that have been showcased at Oscar-qualifying festivals worldwide and broadcast on television.
About AFTRS
The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is Australia’s national screen and broadcast school – the only Australian education institution to consistently make The Hollywood Reporter‘s prestigious annual list of the top film schools in the world. AFTRS has been working in collaboration with industry for over 50 years to deliver world-leading creative education and training – ensuring Australian talent and culture can thrive both at home and internationally. Each year, AFTRS trains more than 400 students through award courses and engages more than 2500 participants nationwide via short courses and industry training. Learn more: aftrs.edu.au
