Keisha Knight Director of IDA Funds and Advocacy, International Documentary Association (IDA) (USA)
Keisha Knight is the director of IDA Funds.In this capacity, Keisha oversees a portfolio of IDA’s granting and artist support programs, including the IDA Enterprise Production Fund, Logan Elevate Grant, Nonfiction Access Initiative, and the Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund, among other granting programs. Keisha has served on numerous juries and review panels and is a 2022-2023 Warhol Curatorial Research Fellow. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Sentient.Art.Film and a doctoral candidate in Art, Film, and Visual Studies at Harvard University.
A Warrumungu, Warlpiri and Arrernte woman from Central Australia, Dena Curtis is a writer, director, and producer. As a director, Dena recently completed a chapter of the anthology feature We Are Still Here and feature length documentary A League of Her Own. Her directing credits also include the series’, Shadow Trackers, Colour Theory Underground, and two episodes of Back to Nature. As well as the award-winning short films Hush, Jacob and Nanand a Whole Lot of Trouble. Dena is the producer of ABC’s First Nations science series First Weapons and executive producer for Rebel with a Cause – a documentary series for NITV, which premiered at the 2023 Melbourne International Film Festival. Her producing credits also include the documentaries Ella, Shadow Trackers and Belonging. Throughout her career, Dena has worked at National Indigenous Television as a senior promo producer and editor, and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as the series producer of Message Sticks then later a commissioning editor for Indigenous.
Marissa is a Wiradjuri woman who has 15 years’ experience working in the First Nation multi-media storytelling space. Marissa is currently employed by SBS as the head of commissions for NITV. Previously Marissa was a creative producer and director for a number of short documentaries commissioned by NITV and other First Nation organisations, art galleries and museums. She is the chair for Us Mob Writers, on the Gender Matters Taskforce and is a member on the Minister’s Creative Council for the ACT Government.
Alex Pritz is a documentary film director based in New York City. Recently, Alex directed The Territory, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival where it won both the Audience Award and a Special Jury Award for Documentary Craft. Alex is a 2023 BAFTA Breakthrough Fellow, and studied Environmental Science at McGill University where he received a Dalai Lama Fellowship for his work developing environmental film curricula alongside low-income communities in the Philippines. He has taught participatory video workshops for lawyers and human rights activists around the world, and has received grants from the Sundance Institute, IDA, Catapult Fund, Doc Society, and XTR. Alex is a co-owner of the production company Documist.
Amanda Arya Director of Documentary, Participant (USA)
Amanda Arya is a Director of Documentary at Participant where she scouts for new projects and supports the slate from development through release. At Participant, she has worked on award-winning titles including Academy Award®-nominated All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, as well as recent releases Descendant and Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power. Arya is currently working on an upcoming documentary about a groundbreaking treatment for PTSD and brain trauma for US Special Operations veterans, with directors Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen.
Arya was featured in Business Insider as a Rising Star in the Entertainment Industry in 2022. She is on the board of the Refugee Children’s Center, and this year, she served on the Advisory Committee at AIDC and was on the Jury for New Filmmakers LA.
Arya began her nonfiction film career in the Original Programming Division at Pivot TV. She earned her bachelor’s degree at NYU Tisch.
José Kaeté is a 29-year-old Indigenous activist of the Tupinambá people from the Brazilian Amazon. He is an industrial engineer and he’s been working as the Impact Producer of The Territory, which is transitioning its Impact Camping to an indigenous led institute that will run programs to develop, improve and promote indigenous narratives of the Amazon – José will be leading the Institute. He has also worked with fair trade with local communities for 10 years. Along this time, he’s been creating online content on social media (@zenarede) about the amazon, indigenous peoples in Brazil and climate change – focused on breaking stereotypes and sharing the different contexts of the Amazon.
Ianeta Le'i Senior Manager, Indigenous Program, Sundance Institute (USA)
As Senior Manager for the Sundance Institute’s Indigenous Program, Ianeta’s focus is to identify and support emerging Indigenous filmmakers and their stories from across the USA and globally. She manages the implementation of all Labs, Fellowships, and Intensives, as well as facilitates outreach and engagement efforts. Raised in Waialua, Hawai’i, she previously worked at Pacific Islanders in Communications, managing nonfiction programs and content for public broadcast. She currently runs Kaioe Consulting, LLC., and sits on the board of non-profit Pasifika Entertainment Advancement Komiti (PEAK). Ianeta is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Sociology, minor in communications, and received a Master of Public Administration degree from the BYU Marriott School of Management.
Phil Breslin Presenter, Producer & Educator, Breslin Media (AUS)
Phillip Breslin is a passionate producer, presenter, and educator who was born and raised in North Queensland, Australia. Phil is the host of ABC’s First Weapons (2023 ), and he is also the creator, executive producer, and host of ABC ME’s Built to Survive (2022), a ten-part children’s Natural History series looking at some of Australia’s strangest and most specialized animal adaptations. Phil has also hosted NITV’s Lost Diamonds (2020) and National Geographic’s international series Wild Survivor (2015). Phil spent his childhood and teenage years exploring the reefs and rainforests in the north of Cairns, which he believes fostered his love for adventure and the natural world. After completing studies in wildlife science, land management, and education, Phil dedicated a decade to the field of education, serving as a high school biology teacher and as a designer and facilitator of Indigenous land management programs. Phil believes that TV and natural history are a perfect match and hopes to see more entertaining natural history content created for all ages, with the aim of igniting curiosity for the world around us.
Richard Fitzpatrick Director of Photography, Biopixel (AUS)
Richard Fitzpatrick ACS is an Emmy winning cinematographer and qualified marine biologist specialising in sharks. He has shot more than 50 films for clients such as the BBC, National Geographic and Discovery Channel and is renowned for filming complex behavioural sequences – including high speed, time lapse, macro, motion control and underwater. Richard has shot many presente- led programs. Able to switch quickly between topside and underwater filming and with a huge collection of ‘toys’, he brings high production value on fast-paced shoots. Extreme environments are no problem with Richard having filmed all over the world from the deserts of outback Australia to the jungles of the Amazon to snow-covered Alaska. In over 15,000 hours underwater he has filmed in the crystal clear coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, the murky waters of the Amazon, and everything in-between. In the process he has won numerous international awards. Richard started out as a marine biologist and has worked in public aquariums around the world, including: Oceanworld, Manly Australia; Maui Ocean Centre, Hawaii; Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville. This gives him a unique perspective on the animals he films and an instinct for capturing the perfect shot.
Hannah joined Biopixel within a year of its inception and has been fundamental to the company’s development, steering the business into a successful niche market and building Biopixel’s blue-chip reputation. With almost a decade in the industry, Hannah continues to expand on the multiple skills needed to work in a small production company, that also supports their NGO, the Biopixel Oceans Foundation. From Field Producer or researcher, to Production Manager, Safety Diver, Camera Operator, editor, or fixer, Hannah continues to be an integral cog in supporting The Biopixel Group and its clientele. Her passion to educate the world about the environment and all the amazing creatures in it, means Hannah’s continued objective is to work with production companies to create documentaries that utilise Biopixel’s award winning filming services, showcase Biopixel’s extensive stock footage library and promote the research and science produced by the Biopixel Oceans Foundation.
Dean Gibson is an Aboriginal filmmaker with over 20 years’ experience in creating, writing, directing, editing and producing content. His work screens regularly on ABC, SBS and NITV and includes children’s television, documentary and drama. Dean’s onscreen highlights in the children’s television space include directing a Sesame Street film Five Kangaroos, featuring Jessica Mauboy. His most recent work Tjitji Lullaby and Marringa Lullaby for ABC Kids plays Australian toddlers to bed nightly. Dean also created and co-directed the series Handball Heroes, which screened on ABC3. Dean recently wrote and directed Incarceration Nation for NITV/SBS. Incarceration Nation is a feature documentary focusing on the systemic racism of the justice system within Australia. Its successes include; Logie Award winner 2021-22 for most outstanding factual or documentary program, finalist for 2022 Walkley Awards and finalist for ATOM’s best feature documentary. Dean was also the writer and director of Wik vs Queensland which premiered at the 2018 Sydney International Film Festival. Most recently, Dean directed the 6-part science documentary series First Weapons for ABC, Black Fella Films and Inkey Media, due for release in 2023. Outside of the film industry, he currently sits on the board of Screen Queensland, Queensland Theatre, Brisbane Lions Football Club, Griffith University Film School advisory board and the Essential Screen Skills industry advisory board.
Dr. Teresa Carrette Co-Founder & Director, Scientific Synergy (AUS)
Growing up in Far North Queensland, Theresa has been lucky enough to have two world heritage areas, rainforest and reef, as her playground for most of her life. Questioning the why and how of the world led her to a degree in science, where she found her passion and has a BSc, MSc and PhD in Zoology and Tropical Ecology specialising in venomous animals of the tropics. She has built a varied career combining 20 years of scientific research with television production where she has previously created content for Animal Planet and Discovery channel in the US. For Teresa, the only thing that comes close to the excitement of making new discoveries, is the opportunity to share these, and through this, inspire others. Currently based in Cairns, Teresa enjoys the best of both worlds, combining working at the University and running her own science communication company, consulting on a variety of projects around the region and especially enjoys the story telling aspect of production, finding new angles and approaches to highlight people and regions with stories to share.
Alex West Head of Documentary, Screen Australia (AUS)
Alex West has written, produced and directed over 40 factual and documentary series and specials for many TV networks, including BBC, C4, Five, ABC, SBS, National Geographic, Discovery and Seven.
He began his career in the USA, while a Fulbright Scholar, before returning to the UK to work with BBC.
As an EP at Wall to Wall Media, he co-created the celebrity genealogy hit global series ‘Who Do You Think You Are?
In Australia, he’s made many shows and specials including Ned Kelly Uncovered and Utopia Girls which was nominated for the 2013 NSW Premiers award for history. In 2011 Inside the Firestorm, the story of the Black Saturday Victorian bushfires, won 3 AFI’s as best feature length documentary.
In 2012 Immigration Nation: The Secret History of Us, was nominated for the AACTA/AFI as Best Documentary Series and the Prime Ministers prize for Australian History. Alex is a three time Logie nominee.
He has recently produced several high profile ABC doco series. The Art of Australia, and Bodyline: The Ultimate Test presented by writer and comedian Adam Zwar. Recent TV series include ‘Making Australia Great’, ‘Revolution School’ and ‘Monash & Me’.
With Nicholas Brown, in 2020 he won the Emmy Award for best nature film for ‘The Serengeti Rules.
He was appointed Head of Documentary at Screen Australia in July 2021.
As curator of the long form Arts slate, Kalita commissions prime-time broad audience series and feature docs that champion the arts and culture. 2022 hits include Stuff The British Stole; Inside The Sydney Opera House; Take 5 with Zan Rowe; Tiny Oz and The Exhibitionists. Previous projects include AACTA & Logie winner Firestarter – The Story of Bangarra and My Name Is Gulpilil; I’m Wanita; Step Into Paradise; Books That Made Us and Going Country. Kalita was a director and series producer in the independent sector, and has made a broad range of programs for 20+ years for the UK, USA and Australian TV markets.
Bernadine Lim Senior Commissioning Editor, Factual, SBS (AUS)
Bernadine has over 20 years’ experience developing, directing and producing across various documentary formats in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. As a member of SBS’s Unscripted team, Bernadine works across SBS’s slate of distinctive commissioned documentaries, championing diverse stories and exploring issues impacting contemporary Australia. She was formerly the Head of Documentary at Screen Australia where she led the unit providing support through development and production funding across all factual formats including features, television, online and XR.
Ian Lynch CONTENT DIRECTOR, SCREEN QUEENSLAND (AUS)
Ian is an experienced producer, director, and manager of teams in the creative production of network broadcast, online, and streaming content. He joined Screen Queensland last year as Content Director after a career in the UK, as well as working on projects for US and Australian broadcasters. His Australian credits include the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent and Four Corners, as well as work for SBS and Audible Australia. His international credits include the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, ITN, Sky, Discovery, National Geographic, PBS and HGTV. At Screen Queensland, Ian has supported documentary series such as SBS’ The Swap, Stan’s Dawn of the Dolphins, ABC and Nine’s Missing Person’s Investigation. Feature documentaries supported include ABC’s/WildBear’s The Black Hand, theatrical feature Sharko and Stan’s/Bioquest’s Reefshot. He also exec produced the RIDE factual short films at the Brisbane Film Festival, made by emerging producers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Lisa O’Meara has been instrumental in building the regional screen industry and is a committed advocate for regional screen practitioners. Prior to her role as Screenworks CEO, Lisa was Programs and Operations Manager for Screenworks where she was responsible for initiating Career Pathway Programs, Industry Forums and Professional Development Opportunities that launched the careers and projects of hundreds of regional practitioners.
Before her career with Screenworks, Lisa designed national and international strategies to take a broad range of screen productions to buyers and audiences around the world. She launched the SBS TV series Under the Skin (Tony Ayres, Belinda Chayko) and the Network Nine children’s series Spellbinder (Ron Saunders) to national audiences and international markets. As a Marketing Manager in the distribution of games, Lisa designed national strategies for games including Diabolo (Blizzard) Riven (Broderbund) as well as launching the Disney, Barbie and Hasbro CD rom brands in Australia. Her roles have included Marketing Executive at Film Australia, Marketing Manager at Tech Pacific, Programs and Operations Manager at Screenworks and National Manager for Careers and Enterprise at SAE Creative Media Institute.
Lauren is an avid non-fiction fan and film industry professional with extensive experience across programming, international sales and distribution both within Australia and overseas. Beginning her career in film festival programming, Lauren most notably held the role of Program Director at the Human Rights Arts & Film Festival, as well as programming for the Shadow Electric Outdoor Cinema and running her own film residency at state-of-the-art performance space, Howler. She then moved to Copenhagen, Denmark for three years to work with International Sales Agent LevelK as their Sales & Acquisitions Manager, handling both world sales for their slate and specialising in documentary acquisitions. During her time in the Nordics, Lauren was a tutor for the prestigious international documentary program Dok.incubator, selected as part of the ‘Rising Stars of Nordic Sales and Distributors’ for the 2020 Helsinki International Film Festival and was a member of the Danish Film Academy. Upon her return to Australia, Lauren worked in distribution for Umbrella Entertainment, handling both the monthly digital releases and world sales of classic Australian cinema. Lauren was the former Conference Programmer of AIDC in 2022 and is thrilled to be continuing her work supporting the development of dynamic Australian non-fiction stories and bringing them to global audiences in her role as Industry Manager.
With a passion for documentary and factual storytelling spanning two decades, Natasha Gadd is the CEO/Creative Director of the Australian International Documentary Conference. Prior to this role, she was AIDC’s Partnerships and Industry Development Manager, where she oversaw the industry development program which has since unlocked over 2 million in project and professional development funding for AIDC delegates from 2019 to 2023. In 2005, she co-founded Daybreak Films, a Melbourne based production company committed to creating independent and engaging screen content. Natasha’s debut feature documentary, Words From the City was nominated for five AFI Awards and her follow up feature, Murundak: Songs of Freedom, received the Grand Prix – FIFO, Best Documentary – Valladolid International Film Festival, and the United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Award. She has also made a number of short documentaries for SBS, ABC and Foxtel, including Anatomy: Muscle, for which she received an Australian Directors Guild Best Director award. Natasha has held leadership positions across a number of leading Australian screen organisations including Cinema Programs and Public Programs Manager at the Australian Center for the Moving Image, Festival Director of the REAL: Life on Film festival and board member of the National Film and Sound Archive.