From madcap adventures to the classic romcom, the universality of joy is a rich playground for filmmakers, and popular with audiences, proving a commercial opportunity for local stories to capture global markets. Projects like Thou Shalt Not Steal, Windcatcher, Top End Wedding, and The Sapphires reflect a growing appetite for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island inspired adventures – celebrating cultural stories through comedy and examining the First Nations experience through a new lens.

These First Nations storytellers are embracing Blak joy and comedy, and challenging the expectations for First Nations stories on screen. Featuring Rhianna Malezer (screenwriter and Director of Super Fruity), AACTA Award Nominee for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Hunter Page-Lochard (Reckless), comedy icon and actress Steph Tisdell (Bump), filmmaker Shontell Ketchell (Ghosts: Australia), and moderated by Jorjia Gillis, bring blak joy to the front in this sit-down discussion.