First Nations storytellers selected for 2025 Impact Lab

David Prestipino Published October 17, 2025 at 3.05pm (AWST)

film

Zena Cumpston, Dennis Fay, Bianca Hunt, Barbara Ibuai. Bottom (L-R): Shontell Leah Ketchell, Louis Mokak, Caden Pearson, Merryn Trescott. (Image: Supplied)

Eight Indigenous storytellers will have an opportunity to connect and create real impact through the third iteration of a collaborative training program in New South Wales.

Developed by Indigenous storytelling agency GARUWA and independent film financier Doc Society, the First Nations Impact Lab is an annual program unlocking the potential of Indigenous creatives.

The 2025 program is a five-day immersive learning experience for documentary and screen-based changemakers, using storytelling as a tool for cultural, environmental, and social change.

Now in its third year, the Lab builds capacity by uplifting practitioners who may not self-identify as 'impact producers', yet are driving systems change and strengthening community through storytelling, education, cultural leadership or organising.

Held on Wodi Wodi Country in Kangaroo Valley from November 4 to 8, the rare opportunity gives the eight participants a chance to connect with leading practitioners from across the globe and learn strategies for activating community-determined solutions, influencing policy, protecting Country, and prioritising the voices and needs of First Peoples.

The eight First Nations storytellers selected from across the continent for the 2025 Impact Lab are:

Zena Cumpston (Barkandji/Kurnu), Dennis Fay (Argun/Badu Island, Kalaw Lagaw Ya), Bianca Hunt (Kamilaroi,Barkindji, Ballardong, and Whadjuk), Barbara Ibuai (Saibai Koedal/Guda Malyulgal/Kale Kawaw Ya), Shontell Leah Ketchell (Kaanju, Wakaid, Meriam Mer), Louis Mokak (Djugun), Caden Pearson (Bagarrmugu) and Merryn Trescott (Wiradjuri) will gather on Wodi Wodi and Dharawal Country next month.

The program is led by Worimi director and GARUWA co-founder Genevieve Grieves (she/her) and Bundjalung producer Laurrie Mansfield (they/she).

The pair are joined by mentors including Doc Society director of special projects Hollie Fifer (she/her), as well as founding member of the Unquiet Collective and director of the Economic Media Centre, Australian Progress, Alex Kelly (she/her).

First presented in 2023, the First Nations Impact Lab Alumni includes campaigners, advocates, activists, curators, educators, filmmakers, storytellers and producers, such as Kellie Baxter (Gamilaraay/Wiradjuri), Kimberley Benjamin (Yawuru, Bardi, Kija), Thara Brown (Yorta Yorta), Kaitlyn Buaneye (Nyikina) and George Coles (Wonnarua/Gringai).

The annual program is supported by Screen Australia's First Nations department and Shark Island Kangaroo Valley, major partner Screen NSW, as well as Screen Queensland and Vic Screen.