Welcome to AFTRS’ living history

This is not a comprehensive history of the school, but a living archive to which we are adding regularly. Use the timeline at the top to navigate your way through more than half a century of excellence in screen and audio education and training.

1970
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Previous Page
2024
Disability Action Plan launched
December 2024

Disability Action Plan launched

As an integral part of AFTRS’ commitment to inclusion, AFTRS inaugural Disability Action Plan delivers a comprehensive roadmap designed to integrate accessibility, equity and inclusion into every facet of the School’s operations. 

Read more.

2025
Gorgo wins Best Short Film at the 2025 AACTA Awards
February 2025

Gorgo wins Best Short Film at the 2025 AACTA Awards

AFTRS Master of Arts Screen film Gorgo wins Best Short Film at the 2025 AACTA Awards Gala.

Read more.

2025
AFTRS introduces Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan
February 2025

AFTRS introduces Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan

AFTRS’ Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan (ESSP) responds to the ambitions articulated in the School’s five-year corporate strategy, guided by First Nations knowledges and values, including wise practice, deep listening and reciprocity.

Read more.

2025
Mia Wasikowska appointed Artist in Residence
March 2025

Mia Wasikowska appointed Artist in Residence

AFTRS welcomes filmmaker and acclaimed actress Mia Wasikowska as its 2025 Artist-in-Residence.

Read more.

2025
AFTRS names studio in recognition of Myer family’s support across four decades
May 2025

AFTRS names studio in recognition of Myer family’s support across four decades

AFTRS recognises the incredible contribution of the Myer family to the School, in particular Kenneth Myer AC, Yasuko Myer and Andrew Myer AM, with the renaming and dedication of AFTRS’ Studio 1 as the Myer Studio.

Read more.

2025
AFTRS On Country Pathways Program delivered throughout Australia
June 2025

AFTRS On Country Pathways Program delivered throughout Australia

Following a successful pilot in the Kimberley region of WA, AFTRS’ On Country Pathways Program (OCPP) is taken to First Nations communities in Cairns, QLD, Bidyadanga, WA, and Eden NSW in 2025, and AFTRS Sydney in January 2026.
The program, supported by a Commonwealth Grant as part of the National Cultural Policy, aims to create pathways into film, television, radio and podcasting careers through the delivery of bespoke training to emerging First Nations creators living in remote, rural and regional areas across Australia.
The OCPP was delivered to a total of 124 First Nations creatives, representing over 50 nations.