Australians in Film is bringing back its flagship talent development initiative UNTAPPED for 2026, with a new focus on career-building and a masterclass lineup featuring some of the country’s most exciting emerging screen voices.
Now in its sixth year, the program has become a key pathway for Australian filmmakers looking to break into the global industry, offering access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and practical insights from creatives who have recently achieved major career milestones.
This year’s UNTAPPED Masterclass Series will centre on the theme of ‘Creative Collaboration,’ examining the partnerships and creative relationships that help bring screen projects to life. Among the speakers announced are filmmaker Adrian Chiarella, whose debut feature “Leviticus” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and secured US distribution through NEON, and writer-director Kalu Oji, whose debut feature “Pasa Faho” premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival last year.
Joining them are writer-director AP Pobjoy, creator of SBS Digital Original series “Homebodies,” and Jasmine Yang, Development Executive at Glitch Productions, whose animated phenomenon “The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act” recently grossed more than $37.6 million worldwide.
Notably, both Oji and Pobjoy are former UNTAPPED participants, reflecting the program’s growing reputation as a launchpad for emerging Australian talent.
Alongside its public-facing masterclasses, UNTAPPED will once again host an intensive development lab for a select group of filmmakers chosen through a competitive application process.
However, in a significant shift for 2026, the lab will move away from project development and instead focus on professional growth, equipping participants with industry knowledge, career strategies and long-term networking opportunities.
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Australians in Film Executive Director Peter Ritchie said the program has evolved considerably since it was launched during the pandemic. “What began as an initiative during the COVID pandemic has evolved into a highly meaningful international talent development pathway for Australia’s most exciting emerging screen creatives. This year’s Masterclass lineup perfectly reflects what UNTAPPED is all about – discovering, nurturing and championing bold new voices whose stories will resonate with audiences around the world.”
He added: “We are incredibly grateful to all of our Masterclass speakers for generously sharing their experiences and insights, and to Screen Australia for their continued commitment to supporting the next generation of Australian screen talent through this important initiative.”
Harry Avramidis, Head of International & Industry Partnerships at Screen Australia, said the initiative continues to play an important role in strengthening Australia’s screen sector.
“Since its launch in 2020, UNTAPPED has consistently showcased the depth, diversity and originality of Australian storytelling, helping to fast-track bold new talent. It supports emerging storytellers to find their voice, maintain their authenticity, share their perspectives and build the communities and partnerships that are the pillars of not only successful individual careers but a strong and sustainable Australian screen industry.
“It’s particularly exciting to see former UNTAPPED alumni return as masterclass speakers – now recognised among Australia’s most exciting storytellers – alongside other distinguished creative visionaries who are challenging industry norms, forging new pathways and reshaping the screen landscape. We’re deeply grateful to all of our speakers, and to Australians in Film for their partnership.”
Based in Los Angeles, Australians in Film has spent more than two decades supporting Australian creatives internationally through professional development, education and industry networking opportunities.
See here for more information about UNTAPPED 2026.