This year’s UNTAPPED Masterclass Series will be built around the theme of Creative Collaboration, exploring the partnerships and creative relationships that help bring original screen stories to life. The 2026 line-up features a number of Australian creatives who have enjoyed breakthrough success over the past 12 months, including several former UNTAPPED participants.

Among the headline speakers is writer-director Adrian Chiarella, whose debut feature Leviticus premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by Neon for U.S. distribution. The film, which also screened in competition at the Sydney Film Festival, opened in Australia and the United States last week.

Joining him is filmmaker Kalu Oji, a graduate of the 2021 UNTAPPED program. Oji’s debut feature Pasa Faho premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2025 before travelling to festivals including Chicago, Glasgow and the Africa International Film Festival, where it won Best International Feature Film. The film recently completed a national Australian theatrical tour and is now streaming on SBS On Demand.

Australians in Film (AiF) and Screen Australia have announced the return of UNTAPPED for 2026, with the talent development initiative entering its sixth year and continuing its mission to support the next generation of Australian screen creatives.

Since launching during the pandemic, the program has evolved into one of Australia’s leading pathways for emerging filmmakers, connecting participants with established industry professionals, mentorship opportunities and international networks.

Also returning to the program is AP Pobjoy, an UNTAPPED 2022 alumnus whose debut series Homebodies premiered in competition at Series Mania in France earlier this year. One of only two Australian productions selected for the prestigious television festival, the SBS Digital Original received a Special Mention in the Short Form category and was subsequently praised by Deadline as a global breakout title.

The line-up is completed by Jasmine Yang, Development Executive at Sydney-based animation studio Glitch Productions. Yang has helped oversee the company’s rapid growth into one of Australia’s most successful independent animation businesses, most recently with The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act, which has grossed more than $37.6 million globally.

The 2026 program will once again combine publicly accessible masterclasses with an intensive development lab for a select group of filmmakers chosen through a competitive application process. In a significant shift, this year’s lab will focus on professional and career development rather than individual projects, aiming to equip participants with the skills, industry knowledge and relationships needed to build long-term careers.

Australians in Film Executive Director Peter Ritchie said the evolution of the program reflected its growing impact on the industry.

“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,” Ritchie said.

“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.”

Screen Australia Head of International and Industry Partnerships Harry Avramidis said the initiative continues to play an important role in strengthening Australia’s creative ecosystem.

“Since its launch in 2020, UNTAPPED has consistently showcased the depth, diversity and originality of Australian storytelling, helping to fast-track bold new talent,” Avramidis said.

“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.”

He also noted the significance of former participants returning as speakers.

“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.”

Over the past five years, UNTAPPED alumni have gone on to secure television commissions, develop feature films, move projects into production and establish professional careers across the screen sector.

Applications and registrations for UNTAPPED 2026 are now open.