First Nations film showcase Nunga Screen celebrates 15 years

Country Arts SA’s award-winning First Nations film showcase Nunga Screen is returning in 2026 for its 15th year of sharing history, humour, culture and Country through powerful storytelling.

Presented annually between Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, a dynamic mix of short films from emerging and established creators are screened regionally at free community events, and available for organisations to purchase and stream internally.

This year’s program includes plenty for family audiences: the cheeky, fast-paced adventures of Red Dirt Riders; the gentle, funny tale of The Fix-It Man and The Fix-It Wooman; and a music video with hip hop group DEM MOB and Fregon Anangu School.

Social and cultural issues

The lineup also includes moving documentaries such as Anangu Way and Blakprint for Success, and dramas like Catchin’ Mumoo, The Secret and False Narrative bring raw emotional depth, exploring the complexities of family, truth, shame and healing.

Nunga Screen programmer and Ngarrindjeri man Joshua Trevorrow says the second half of the program delves into social and cultural issues, creating space to reflect on timely and complex topics.

“Nunga Screen is a chance to listen deeply and to come together in recognition of First Nations voices and stories,” Joshua said.

“We are extremely proud of how far this program has come over 15 years, to the point where we now are able to renumerate featured filmmakers and invest in more First Nations arts projects with funds raised through the Nunga Screen corporate campaign.

“The Country Arts Foundation invites organisations to purchase a streaming link to Nunga Screen, and this has taken the program not only Australia-wide but internationally, from schools to local government to health care settings.”

Wongutha filmmaker Travis Akbar, whose film False Narrative is part of the 2026 program, says Nunga Screen is a “fantastic showcase of First Nations filmmaking talent”.

“While Country Arts SA offering screening fees is great, as making short films is generally an unpaid gig, being able to share my work with mob across the state and country is the best part about Nunga Screen,” Travis says.

Screening at various locations

“Purchase the package because it helps support emerging filmmakers in a big way, and the only way to ensure it continues is to make sure you watch it.”

Nunga Screen will be screened on May 27 at Noarlunga’s Hopgood Theatre, Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre and Port Pirie’s Northern Festival Centre, and on June 3 at Whyalla’s Middleback Arts Centre and Mount Gambier’s Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, as well as in additional regional locations.

To see the full program and find a screening near you, visit www.countryarts.org.au/events/nunga-screen-2026.