Mia Wasikowska, the Australia-born Hollywood star, is the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) 2025 Artist-in-Residence.
The Artist-in-Residence program invites Australia’s brightest and most talented creative storytellers to spend time at the AFTRS, the national screen and broadcast school, and have the “space, support and facilities” to reflect on and test their craft.
For the artist, an opportunity to reflect on their skill-set, collaborate with learners and experts and give back in the spirit of sharing knowledge.
Wasikowska knows her stuff. She’s worked with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers, from Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland”) to Jim Jarmush (“Only Lovers Left Alive”), Guillermo Del Toro (“Crimson Peak”), Gus Van Sant (“Restless”), Lisa Cholodenko (“The Kids Are All Right”), David Cronenberg (“Maps to the Stars”) and AFTRS alum Robert Connolly (“Blueback”).
Her breakout performance in the titular role for “Alice In Wonderland” scooped several pieces of silverware, including the 2010 AFI International Award.
Wasikowska moved behind the camera for her directing debut with short film “Long, Clear View”, a segment of “The Turning” anthology, based on Tim Winton’s novel, which was nominated for an AACTA Award in 2013. After that, “Afterbirth”, a segment of “Madly”, an international anthology of short films featuring innovative love stories, which premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to have the support of such a wonderful school, as I look to develop two creative projects over the coming year,” she comments.
“As social beings, we thrive in connection. I’m therefore excited to engage with students and staff as I firmly believe creativity flourishes when shared. I look forward to contributing to the vibrant creative community at AFTRS.”
As the new Artist-in-Residence, Wasikowska is keen to collaborate with the AFTRS community on a feature film and documentary.
She’s the third Artist-in-Residence, following filmmaker and writer Tracey Rigney (in 2024), and internationally-renowned VR pioneer and filmmaker Lynette Wallworth (2023).