AFTRS celebrated the achievements of First Nations Graduates in the Class of 2024 during the First Nations Graduation Event on Thursday 22 May 2025.
Graduating in the class of 2024 are Daniel Forbes (Master of Arts Screen: Screenwriting), Patrick McKenzie (Master of Arts Screen: Business), Kantesha Takai (Master of Arts Screen: Business), Luke Hodge (Master of Arts Screen: Production), Dylan Nicholls (Master of Arts Screen: Documentary), Nazareth Alfred (Master of Arts Screen: Directing) and Lachlan Preston (Diploma of Arts Screen: Production). Both Dylan and Nazareth are the inaugural recipients of the First Nations Netflix Scholarship.
The Graduates were surrounded by their loved ones, First Nations community, AFTRS staff and Industry guests during the evening celebrations.
While the torrential rain on the day did not put a damper on the evening, it did lead to a cleansing ceremony and performances inside the foyer of AFTRS. The movements by Gawura Cultural Immersions dancers and their accompanying songs reverberated throughout the building, inviting attendees to participate in cultural dances.
Gadigal/Bidjigal Traditional Owner and AFTRS Elder-In-Residence Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor Welcomed all attendees to Country before they were guided into the Main Theatre by the dancers.
Journalist Craig Quartermaine led the evening’s proceedings as MC, introducing keynote speaker Dena Curtis and AFTRS 2016 Alumni Sara Khan. Aunty Rhonda presented the possum skin cloaks to Daniel and Patrick who made them the day prior during the First Nations Graduates Yarning Circle. Aunty Rhonda also presented Daniel, Patrick and Dylan with the stoles, with Sara accepting stoles on the others behalf.
To conclude the official ceremony, attendees were treated to an exclusive viewing of Echoes of Dissent directed by Dylan Nicholls and produced by Luke Hodge, as well as a sneak peek of See-Saw by Nazareth Alfred.
We wish the graduates the best for the next phase of their storytelling journey, and we look forward to seeing their stories on the big screen!
