by FilmInk Staff
Screen Australia has today announced over $16.9 million in production and development funding for 75 Narrative Content projects. Across feature film, series and short film, the latest funding supports a broad slate that reflects the creative ambition and distinctive voices of Australia’s screen storytellers.
Among the projects are The Best Of, the feature directorial debut of Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Toni Collette; a debut feature from viral Australian comedy group Sooshi Mango; The Dark Lake, a series adaption from Brouhaha Entertainment; and family short film My Life As A 12-Year-Old Demon Hunter… With Great Hair!
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said, “Australian storytellers continue to captivate audiences with their creativity, originality and distinctive perspectives. This latest round of funding supports an exciting range of projects from emerging creatives forging new paths to established voices exploring new creative territory. Screen Currency 2026 found that local stories matter deeply to Australians, and these projects will deliver on the authenticity and ambition that audiences have come to expect. Together, they showcase stories and experiences that resonate here at home and around the world.”
Some of the supported projects include:
• The Best Of: An adaptation of Graeme Simsion’s bestselling novel, marking the directorial debut of award-winning actor Toni Collette. Produced by Collette and Christopher Simon, the film follows two former flames who reunite after decades of living separate lives, exploring the unexpected sorrow, chaos, and bliss when old feelings resurface. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen NSW. Local distribution by Kismet. International sales by Cornerstone.
• The Dark Lake: A series adaptation of Sarah Bailey’s award-winning novel from Brouhaha Entertainment (Boy Swallows Universe), starring Phoebe Tonkin as a rural town detective who must confront dark secrets from her past when she investigates the murder of her former high school classmate. The Dark Lake is produced by Troy Lum and Andrew Mason, written and executive produced by Becca Johnstone, and executive produced by Giorgia Stawaruk, Phoebe Tonkin and Katarina Mandic. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screenwest. Financed with support from Screen NSW.
• Bull (working title): From Infin8 Studios and Total Fiction Films, the feature film is produced by Michael Lawrence, John Molloy, Suzanne Walker and George Pullar, also a writer alongside Taylor Danworth, and directed by Jeffrey Walker (The Artful Dodger, Fing!). Starring George Pullar, Richard Roxburgh, Robyn Malcolm, Teresa Palmer, Thomas M Wright and Harrison Gilbertson, Bull is inspired by the true story of fast-talking inmate who joins a debating team inside Tasmania’s toughest prison in a desperate bid to turn his life around and, for once, make his mother proud. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Screen Queensland. Local distribution by Kismet. International sales by Cornerstone.
• Untitled Sooshi Mango project: A debut feature from viral Australian comedy group Sooshi Mango that follows three stubborn Italian immigrants who rally their multicultural community to save their beloved social club when a mysterious health and wellness club threatens its future. From award-winning director Nick Kozakis (Kick On), the film is produced by Paul Dainty, Cathy Rodda and co-producer Timothy Whiting, and written by Sooshi Mango’s Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri and Andrew Manfre, with Declan Fay. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with VicScreen. Local distribution by Roadshow.
• Solastalgia: A short film from BAFTA-nominated writer-director Rosie Westhoff (The Main Part) and producers Chloe Brennan (We Used to Own Houses), Amanda Browne (Mothmama) and Ashlee Russell (Mothmama). A young girl pieces together the fractured memories of a bushfire that destroyed her home and searches for connection in a place forever changed. The Solastalgia team is mentored by award-winning Australian filmmaker Kitty Green (The Royal Hotel). Principal production funding from Screen Australia.
• No Friend But The Mountains: Based on the critically acclaimed memoir by Behrouz Boochani, the feature is written by Rodd Rathjen and Boochani, and directed by Rathjen. Produced by Gal Greenspan, Sharlene George, Amy Parry, Arkos Armont, Katy Roberts, Boochani and Antony Waddington. Fleeing persecution as a Kurdish journalist, Boochani is intercepted at sea and sent to Manus Island. Inside, he refuses to fade, recording the slow unmaking of men. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with New Zealand Film Commission, Screen Queensland and VicScreen. Local distribution by Madman.
• My Life As A 12-Year-Old Demon Hunter… With Great Hair!: Blending live action and animation, the family short film from Pasifika led company Mana Film Productions follows a day in the life of Tala, a 12-year-old demon hunter, whose biggest challenge isn’t schoolwork, but the demons trying to steal her power. Written, directed and co-produced by AWGIE award-winning screenwriter and best-selling author Maria Lewis, co-produced by Shonee Samia with animation by Herbert Leota. The team will be mentored by Kitty Green and animator Jake Duczynski (Magic Beach). Principal production funding from Screen Australia.
• Desi Down Under: A feature film reimagining of the coming-of-age Indian-Australian audio series of the same name, created and written by Mithila Gupta. Written and produced by Gupta with producers Nina Aujla, Smriti Mundhra and Maya Gnyp, the romantic comedy follows three misfits as they travel from Kerala to Coogee to learn surf-lifesaving skills to help their countrymen. Desi Down Under received development funding.
• The Caretaker: From Goalpost Pictures and created by Screen Australia Talent Gateway 2026 participants Alexei Mizin and Ryan van Dijk, the series is an adaptation of Gabriel Bergmoser’s best-selling novel. The thriller follows a woman living in hiding as a caretaker of an off-season ski resort who is driven to increasingly drastic lengths to protect her new life. The project received development funding.
The full list of Narrative Content funding approvals is available on the Screen Australia website for Production, Development and Short Film. Further information about recently funded projects will be announced in conjunction with the ABC Media Showcase on 21 October.
