Netflix and The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) have announced the Netflix Indigenous Scholarship Fund — an initiative that aims to elevate Australia’s First Nations creatives.

Netflix is set to provide $515,000 of funding. Of which AFTRS will consult representatives from Netflix and Indigenous leaders from several educational institutions to assist in allocating funds, bolstering the next generation of Indigenous talent.

“AFTRS is passionate about providing the highest quality learning experiences to people across the country and couldn’t be more excited to partner with Netflix on this initiative,” AFTRS Council member and Chair of the selection panel, Tanya Hosch, shared in a statement.

“Guided by the expertise of AFTRS First Nations leaders, this very generous scholarship fund from Netflix has the potential to transform both individual careers and improve the inclusion and cultural capacity of our industry.

“The offering of scholarships, fellowships and training will also give First Nations peoples the option of learning on Country and create opportunities for AFTRS to respond to the challenges of designing new and innovative ways of teaching, learning, and training with and within First Nations communities.”

Dr Romaine Moreton, Director of First Nations & Outreach at AFTRS, ads: “The Netflix Indigenous Scholarship Fund is a great opportunity for AFTRS and Netflix to work with First Nations communities to support and develop their media-making capacities. It will create pathways into industry, driven by First Nations values that are self-determining, advance Indigenous cultural revitalisation practices and promote storytelling autonomy.”

Whilst you’re here, why not check out our list of the best Australian films currently on streaming services? 

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