Bus Stop Films has announced some big board changes this week, farewelling two members and introducing a new director.
On Monday (April 20th), the non-profit social enterprise paid tribute to outgoing members, Jennifer Collins and Joanna Agius OAM. Collins boasts more than 30 years of screen industry expertise, while Agius brought a “deep personal and professional experience to the board”.
“Jennifer and Joanna have each brought something truly irreplaceable to our Board,” Bus Stop Films’ Chair Peter Tonagh said.
“Jennifer’s screen industry expertise and production guidance has strengthened our work in ways that will have a lasting impact. Joanna’s insight into Deaf and Indigenous communities has kept our strategic thinking grounded in the voices that matter most. We are immensely grateful to both of them.”
In the same announcement, Bus Stop Films welcomed new board member, Kyas Hepworth.
Hepworth was the first First Nations person to head a screen funding body in Australia and has collaborated on and supported numerous high-profile productions As Head of Screen NSW, she led the state’s film, digital games and production strategy. Under her leadership, NSW achieved its highest level of screen production, attracting major international projects such as Sony Pictures’ “Anyone But You”, Universal Pictures’ “The Fall Guy”, and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”.
Before Screen NSW, Hepworth was the Head of Commissioning and Programming at NITV (Special Broadcasting Services) and has held board positions for AusFilm, Australian International Documentary Conference, the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network and NIDA academic board.
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“We are equally thrilled to welcome Kyas, her creative leadership, industry relationships and commitment to representation align perfectly with where Bus Stop Films is headed, and her expertise will be invaluable as we grow our national footprint and deepen our partnerships with the commercial production sector,” Tonagh said.
Hepworth added: “Bus Stop Films is doing work that is genuinely transformative not just for the participants it supports, but for the screen industry as a whole. Intersectional inclusion isn’t a box to tick; it makes our storytelling richer and our industry stronger. I’m honoured to join the Board and look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this remarkable organisation.”