Australians in Film (AiF), in partnership with Screen Australia, has today announced the return of its talent development initiative, UNTAPPED, for 2026.
Now entering its sixth year, UNTAPPED has established itself as one of Australia’s leading pathways for emerging screen talent, connecting the country’s most promising filmmakers with world-class industry knowledge, mentorship and creative networks.
This year’s Masterclass Series will spotlight a remarkable group of Australian screen creatives who have achieved breakthrough success with their original work over the past year—some of whom are alumni of the UNTAPPED program.
The 2026 UNTAPPED Masterclass speakers include:
- Adrian Chiarella, whose debut feature Leviticus premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Neon for U.S. distribution. The film opened in Australia and the United States last week.
- Kalu Oji (UNTAPPED 2021), whose debut feature film Pasa Faho had its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2025 and is currently streaming on SBS On Demand.
- AP Pobjoy (UNTAPPED 2022), whose debut series Homebodies premiered at Series Mania in France in 2026. A Screen Australia and SBS Digital Original, the series is currently streaming on SBS On Demand.
- Jasmine Yang, is the Development Executive for Glitch Productions, an independent animation studio based in Sydney, Australia that just released The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act which has grossed over $37.6 million globally.
The theme of this year’s Masterclass Series is Creative Collaboration, exploring the partnerships and creative relationships that help bring compelling screen stories to life.
Additional creative collaborators joining the speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Combining open-call masterclasses—available to anyone wishing to learn from some of Australia’s most exciting screen creatives—with an intensive development lab for a select group of filmmakers chosen through a competitive application process, UNTAPPED provides participants with current global market insights, industry expertise and invaluable opportunities for mentorship, inspiration and community-building.
For the first time, the 2026 development lab will focus on professional and career development rather than the advancement of specific projects, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge and industry connections needed to build sustainable careers in the screen industry.
Over the past five years, UNTAPPED has developed a proven track record of helping launch the careers of Australia’s next generation of screen storytellers. Alumni from both the Masterclass Series and Development Lab have gone on to make their first feature films, secure television commissions, advance projects into production and development, and gain their first professional opportunities within the screen industry.
Australians in Film Executive Director, Peter Ritchie, said, “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.”
“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.”
Screen Australia Head of International & Industry Partnerships, Harry Avramidis, said, “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.”
Applications and registrations for UNTAPPED 2026 are open now.