Screen Australia appoints Gillian Moody-Ardler as Head of First Nations Content
Screen Australia has appointed Gillian Moody-Ardler as its new Head of First Nations Content, commencing on 12 January 2026.
An award-winning practitioner, Moody-Ardler has built a diverse career across the Australian screen industry, serving as company director, writer, producer and director for Kalori Productions. Her credits include Kindred, Family Rules Season 1, Black Divaz and Katele. She has also held roles as Production Manager for the SBS Indigenous Media Unit and as Investment and Development Manager at Screen Australia.
She currently serves on the leadership team of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) as Head of First Nations Engagement, where she leads the organisation’s strategies for collection, interpretation and protocols relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
In her new position, Moody-Ardler will oversee Screen Australia’s First Nations content investment, providing both creative and operational direction across development and production. Her responsibilities will include project assessment and the management of creative works from initial development through to delivery.
“I am thrilled to be stepping into the Head of First Nations Content role where my passion for supporting First Nations creatives to bring authentic, powerful and distinctive stories to screen will continue.
I am excited by the growth in our sector since my earlier years at Screen Australia where groundbreaking series Redfern Now went to air on ABC and the acclaimed feature Samson & Delilah screened to the world.”
“I am enthused by the First Nations Department’s continued support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to deliver landmark documentaries that start national conversations to moving dramas with social impact. I have seen the impact on careers that initiatives like Proper Loved Up can have in developing the next generation of First Nations screen talent and I look forward to continuing the work of the department, nurturing talent across all levels from emerging to seasoned professionals and helping them navigate the changing media landscape to ensure First Nations stories are told across all platforms where people are viewing content. I am excited to play a role in funding the next wave of ground-breaking First Nations projects.”
Moody-Ardler said she looked forward to continuing the department’s mission of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers.
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said Moody-Ardler’s experience made her an ideal appointment.
“With her deep understanding of First Nations storytelling and the role this plays in the future success of our screen industry, Gillian is the perfect leader to build on the Department’s legacy. Her creativity and business acumen will ensure the team and the sector receive exceptional support.”
The First Nations Department at Screen Australia has recently supported major projects including Total Control, Sweet Country, Our Medicine, The New Boy, Wolfram, Mystery Road and The Moogai. It has also launched the romantic comedy short film initiative Proper Loved Up, aimed at providing development pathways for early and mid-career First Nations creatives.
In addition to leading content investment, Moody-Ardler will work closely with the Director of First Nations, a forthcoming appointment dedicated to strengthening representation, nurturing creative talent and fostering partnerships across the screen sector.
