Northern Territory screen industry marks milestone with biggest-ever program

11 September 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is strengthening the Northern Territory’s position as a dynamic destination for film and storytelling, with a packed calendar of screen events set to roll out over the coming weeks.

Today, the Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) launched at Deckchair Cinema with its largest program to date, featuring more than 40 special guests and celebrating the Territory’s creativity, culture, and cinematic potential.

Upcoming highlights include:

• Red-carpet premieres of Top End Bub and Kangaroo through Screen Territory’s NT on Screen initiative.
• The NT Screen Summit (20–21 September), bringing together more than 50 leading producers, directors, and industry professionals for workshops and networking.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Major Events, Marie-Clare Boothby, said the screen industry was proving to be a powerful economic driver.

“This is a sector with real momentum, and we’re backing it with the investment and certainty it needs to grow a sustainable, thriving screen industry for the long term, because we promised Territorians a year of action, certainty, and security,” Ms Boothby said.

“Screen Territory itself was a CLP initiative, and in our first Budget we backed it with $3.6 million because we know this sector delivers real economic outcomes, local jobs, and skills for Territorians. Every dollar invested in screen delivers at least $4 back into the economy.”

“With the recent launch of our strategy to rebuild the economy, supporting industries like screen plays an important role in turning this plan into real outcomes for Territorians.”

The Territory is already seeing results: new productions, international exposure, and sold-out screenings:

• Following premieres in Alice Springs and overseas, Kangaroo will screen in Darwin on 17 September, featuring stars Chris “Brolga” Barnes, Trisha Morton-Thomas, Ryan Corr, Ernie Dingo, Lily Whiteley, Rachel Clements, and STUDIOCANAL ANZ CEO Elizabeth Trotman. The production generated a direct NT spend of $4.32 million, employed 120 Territorians, and engaged more than 100 local businesses.
• Top End Bub will follow at Deckchair Cinema on 19 September, with Miranda Tapsell, Joshua Tyler, Christiaan Van Vuuren, Shari Sebbens, Rob Collins, and producers Rosemary Blight and Ben Grant in attendance.

Screen Territory Director, Jennie Hughes, said: “We’re seeing incredible local stories resonate both nationally and internationally, which is creating exciting opportunities for our creatives and businesses.

“Events like the NT Screen Summit and Darwin International Film Festival are fantastic platforms to showcase our industry’s local talent and build meaningful connections within the sector, ensuring the Territory remains a vibrant and competitive screen destination.”

For more information about Screen Territory and the Summit, visit https://screenterritory.nt.gov.au/

Media contact – Ebony Raymond – 0476 938 478