Netflix Spotlights First Nations Creatives and Stories This NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is celebrated annually to recognise the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Netflix is committed to honouring the rich history of First Nations cultures, and we aim to connect our members with these important storytellers through a specially curated collection of films and shows.

As part of this initiative, members can visit the ‘First Nations Forever' page, which offers a collection of 29 titles centered around Indigenous Australian perspectives, including new-to-Netflix film High Ground; kids programs Little J & Big Cuz, Barrumbi Kids and 2024 Logie Nominee Eddie’s Lil’ Homies; comedy series Preppers; dramas Samson & Delilah, True Colours and more! 

The ‘First Nations Forever’ collection on Netflix features the artwork of Luke Mallie, who created the unique artwork “Rainbow Serpent Dreaming”. 

As part of our NAIDOC week celebrations, we are also spotlighting the important work of First Nations’ creatives in the entertainment industry across our LinkedIn channel each day this week. These talented people have worked with Netflix and bring unmatched skills and knowledge to their roles.

First Nations Creative Spotlight

Nick Gane, Documentary Filmmaker & Photographer Producer and participant in the Netflix supported Unit Photography Bootcamp

An experienced and adaptable storyteller with experience in digital and broadcast media. Nick is a highly experienced photographer, documentary filmmaker, producer and editor specialising in highly engaging, quality, and story fuelled visual content. 

​Nick is passionate about pursuing stories of culture, travel, and the unique human experience. His favourite documentaries on Netflix are Vatican Girl: The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi and My Octopus Teacher. 

Brooke Collard, Producer, Writer, gaming Narrative Designer, and participant in the Netflix supported Broad Horizons program at Screen Forever

Brooke is a highly accomplished filmmaker and creative who wants to help tell stories for those under-represented, such as stories of First Nations people and LGBTQIA+. Brooke produced and wrote the award winning short documentary, Aboriginal Warrior, which was commissioned by NITV as a part of OUR STORIES, and has worked across various departments and roles within the film production industry. Brooke currently runs the dynamic film production company, Goguljar Yok, dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of Noongar culture through compelling narratives and thought-provoking content.

Ismail Khan, Screenwriter, Director, and Director’s Attachment on Heartbreak High Season 2

Ismail Khan is a screenwriter and director born and raised in south-west Sydney, with Wailwan and Pakistani heritage. A graduate of AFTRS, Ismail’s masters film Sunnies won the Capa Prize for best fictional short in Asia-Pacific and had its world premiere at Sydney Film Festival 2021.

Ismail was one of six emerging filmmakers selected for a director’s attachment with Taika Waititi on Thor: Love And Thunder and in the same year, directed his first episodes of scripted television on the kids’ drama/adventure series Barrumbi Kids.

More recently, Ismail worked with Gracie Otto as director’s attachment on Heartbreak High S2, shadowing Gracie on block one, as well as directing the second unit across the latest season. He has since gone on to direct episodes of Stan’s Bump Season 4 and is in pre-production on the 5th and final season.

Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury, Producer and participant in the Netflix supported Broad Horizons program at Screen Forever

Aaliyah-Jade Bradbury is a proud Indigenous woman from the Larrakia Nation of Garramilla (Darwin) and Erubam Le peoples of Meriam Mir. She is the first Indigenous woman to win an Emmy Award, for her work as a producer on the film Harley & Katya. She brings a “very Indigenous” approach to filmmaking, maintaining and creating intergenerational relationships on each project she touches. She believes in learning from those who have come before her inorder to make pathways for those to come in, and strives to inspire the next generation of filmmakers to dream bigger and bolder. 

Her work has been recognised by Screen Australia and Screen NSW as one to watch for the way she highlights intricate storytelling through the humanity of our First Nations peoples. She has also held various roles across NGOs and government at organisations such as Creative Australia, the ABC and SBS.

Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis, Professional Photographer and participant in the Netflix supported Unit Photography Bootcamp

Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis is a Gudanji/Wambaya man of the northern Barkly Tablelands and inland freshwater Country of the Gulf of Carpentaria. He is a self-taught professional photographer with over a decade of experience. Benjamin is deeply committed to highlighting the pivotal role of Indigenous arts and media by celebrating Aboriginal cultures and identities. His portfolio predominantly focuses on 'observational' storytelling across a variety of industries including arts, fashion and unit photography on film and TV productions. 

He has most recently worked as a shadow unit photographer on the upcoming neo-western Netflix series Desert King (working title).