+Screen Stories Symposium
Championing creative courage and queer storytelling.
When riskier, more complex and more diverse stories are shut out, the consequences reach far beyond one community.
At a time of growing political pushback against LGBTQIA+ communities and increasing risk aversion among screen financiers, how do we continue to champion bold, authentic storytelling?
Returning following its inaugural event in 2024, +Screen Stories Symposium is a one-day conference exploring the political, financial and creative landscapes facing today's screen professionals.
Hosted by Screen Canberra and produced by In Cahoots Creations, the symposium brings together emerging and established creatives, industry leaders, financiers and supporters to examine the challenges facing diverse storytelling – and the opportunities that can emerge when we work together.
While centring the experiences of queer creators, +Screen Stories is designed for storytellers across all screen disciplines, including film, television, documentary, digital games and online content creation. Whether you're a creator, producer, writer, financier or industry professional, the conversations will offer valuable perspectives on maintaining creative courage, securing support for ambitious projects and connecting authentic stories with audiences.
The 2026 program features acclaimed filmmakers Keiynan Lonsdale, Adrian Chiarella and Hannah Ngo and Adrian Russell Wills alongside prominent industry financiers and supporters Deanne Weir, Malinda Wink, Lisa Rose and Benson Wu.
EVENT PARTNERS
Hosted by Screen Canberra and produced by In Cahoots Creations, with support from:
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Event Partner
ACT Government – Funding Partner
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) – Venue Partner
Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) – Networking Event Partner
We look forward to bringing Australia's screen storytelling community together for a day of conversation, connection and creative courage.
FAQs
- WHAT DOES YOUR TICKET INCLUDE?
Access to the one-day +Screen Stories Symposium program.
Morning tea and lunch.
Networking opportunities with speakers and screen industry professionals.
Access to the closing networking event in the NFSA courtyard.
- WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
+Screen Stories welcomes storytellers and industry professionals from across the screen and games sectors, including filmmakers, writers, producers, directors, screen practitioners, game developers, content creators, financiers, distributors, broadcasters, students and emerging creatives.
You don't need to work specifically in queer storytelling to benefit from the conversations. Anyone committed to bringing complex, diverse and authentic stories to audiences is welcome.
- KEY EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Venue: ARC Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Canberra
Format: In-person, one-day symposium - ACCESSIBILITY, INCLUSION & CODE OF CONDUCT
Screen Canberra is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone attending +Screen Stories.
All participants are expected to abide by the event's Code of Conduct.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
