CUSTODIANS OF CHANGE: FIRST NATIONS CLIMATE STORYTELLING

In the current international documentary and factual landscape, powerful Indigenous-led environmental and climate stories are gaining more prominence, with Australia and the Pacific increasingly part of the global conversation. In this session, we explore the evolution of factual and natural history programming that authentically captures First Nations perspectives on diverse environments and ecosystems, resulting in urgent and impact-driven documentaries that centre First Nations knowledge and practice to shift perspectives for sustainable futures. 

What are the innovations in storytelling, production models, filming technologies and impact strategies to engage audiences beyond the climate-concerned and to create deeper considerations for the natural world and actual environmental change? Joining First Nations broadcasters and funds from NITV and Screen Queensland is a stellar panel of leading First Nations creators, including John Harvey (Atomic Paradise, Brown Cabs), Barbara Ibuai (Testimony, Closer Productions), and Yale MacGillivray (INDESIGN, No Coincidence Media), who are innovating the way we create and share environmental and climate stories from our region.

MODERATOR: Danielle Ah Boo (Screen Queensland)

SPEAKERS: John Harvey (Brown Cabs), Barbara Ibuai (Producer, Testimony), Yale MacGillivray (No Coincidence Media), Cieron Cody (NITV)

Photo Credit: Testimony (Closer Productions, 2025)