Screen Conversations 2026
Go behind the screen and hear from people who make films come to life and others who have insightful perspectives about the world.
Documentary Talk: Filming Up Close
Documentary directors Dragana Jurisic (The Balkan Cowboy), Jared Nicholson (Aftermath) and Bojana Novakovic (The Forbidden Aunt) discuss working with material where the subject crosses over into the personal.
Moderator: Alice Bergin (Screen Australia)
When: 4:00pm, Thursday 15 October
Where: The Howling Owl | Free
Extended Q&A with director Stephanie Ahn (Bedford Park)
With her subtle and deftly directed Korean diaspora family drama Bedford Park, which she also wrote and edited, Stephanie won the coveted U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Debut Feature at Sundance 2026. Prior to this Stephanie was an assistant editor on films such as Winter’s Bone (2010) and My Old Lady (2014).
Moderator: Sophie Hyde (Jimpa, Animals)
When: 6:00pm, Thursday 15 October (following the Bedford Park screening)
Where: Palace Nova Cinemas Eastend | Ticketed
Screen Industry Breakfast: We Interrupt This Broadcast: Big Ideas Forum live at AFF
For the first time, the must-listen to weekly podcast for the Australian screen industry will be at AFF. Screen Australia’s Louise Gough and other festival guests will be asked their one big idea to change the screen industry.
Host: Kirsty Stark and Robbie Miles
When: 10:00am, Friday 16 October
Where: The Playford Hotel, Ballroom 1, 120 North Terrace | Free
In Conversation with Alex White
Over the last decade, from her shorts onwards, producer Alex White’s films have wowed audiences and industry alike. Her features include the acclaimed: Baby Teeth (2019), Talk To Me (2022) and the AFFIF title and Venice premiering Agata The Writer (2026). Known as one of Australia’s best developers, Alex’s storytelling acumen has also been part of the success of the South Australian acclaimed Film Lab films most notably with Lesbian Space Princess (2024).
Moderator: Rebecca Summerton (Closer Productions)
When: 2:30pm, Friday 16 October
Where: Howling Owl | Free
Extended Q&A with the team behind KUMARANGK: Sacred Women's Business
Join the filmmaking team to discuss the making of their documentary on one of South Australia’s most controversial decisions in modern times: the building of the Hindmarsh Island Bridge.
When: 2:00pm, Saturday 17 October (following screening) & 11:00am, Friday 23 October (following screening)
Where: The Piccadilly & Palace Nova Eastend| Ticketed
Extended Q&A with award winning cinematographer, Robert Richardson
From the beginning, Triple Academy Award-winning Robert “Bob” Richardson was a daring but also meticulous cinematographer shooting multiple films for acclaimed directors including Oliver Stone, Martin Scorcese and Quentin Tarantino.
An extended Q&A moderated by SA’s own acclaimed director Scott Hicks (Bob shot Hick’s Snow Falling on Cedars, also nominated for an Academy Award).
When: 4:45pm, Saturday 18 October (following the Robert Richardson: The White Devil Screening)
Where: Mercury Cinema | Ticketed
WIFT SA/Screen Vixen Drinks
Immediately after The Forbidden Aunt (dir. Bojana Novakovic) screening join WIFT SA, Screen Vixens and South Australia’s screen community for the first annual Women in Screen Drinks. Meet fellow filmmakers while forging new connections and celebrating the power of women.
When: 7:00pm, Sunday 18 October
Where: Howling Owl | Free
AFF Youth: Becoming Filmmakers Panel
Hear from young filmmakers on how they established their filmmaking careers during the 2026 AFF Youth Schools Screening Day. Filmmakers: Jared Nicholson (Aftermath) , Matt Bate (Hell Has No Fire Escape) and Lila Berry & Johanis Lyons-Reid (Lucrum).
Moderator: Robbie Miles, AFTRS
When: 1:15pm, Wednesday 21 October
Where: Palace Nova Eastend | Ticketed ($10 or free is you have a ticket to a Schools Screening Day film session)
Film and campfire yarns at Yitpi Yartaapuultiku
Join us for the World Premiere of Bukul Bukal and campfire yarns at Yitpi Yartapuultiku. Food trucks, male/ female fires and special guests.
When: 5:30pm - 9:30pm, Saturday 24 October
Where: 1300 Old Port Rd, Port Adelaide | Free
Don Dunstan Award: Leah Purcell AM in Conversation
This year's Don Dunstan Award recipient is internationally acclaimed actor, writer and director Leah Purcell AM.
Join Leah Purcell AM in conversation with Wesley Enoch AM, a proud Quandamooka man, celebrated playwright and artistic director.
When: 2:00pm, Sunday 18 October
Where: The Braggs Lecture Theatre, City Campus East, Adelaide University | Free
Bettison and James Award: Karina Lester in Conversation
2026 Bettison and James Awardee Karina Lester in conversation with Gem Romuld preceded by a screening of Britain’s Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story (2024).
When: 12:00pm, Sunday 25 October
Where: The Mercury | Free