Dena Curtis is a Warlpiri, Warrumungu, and Arrernte filmmaker from Central Australia. Her career in media began at Papulu Apparr Kari Language Centre in Tennant Creek in 1998, followed by a role as a Production Assistant at the CAAMA Productions in 2000. Dena gained formal training through the AFTRS, completing a graduate diploma in Television Editing. In 2005, Dena wrote and directed her first short film, Hush, which garnered international acclaim, screening at festivals like Creteil Film Des Femmes Festival and Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. 

Her subsequent short film, Jacob, released in 2010, won multiple awards and screening at prestigious festivals including Melbourne International Film Festival, Adelaide Short Film Festival and Aspen Shortsfest. Dena took on roles at National Indigenous Television and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before establishing Inkey Media in 2015, focusing on projects that showcase Indigenous stories and stories of resistance and resilience. Her work includes developing and producing the acclaimed children's series Grace Beside Me and co-producing award-winning documentaries like Ella, Shadow Trackers and Belonging. 

Most recently, Dena executive produced Rebels with a Cause which premiered at MIFF and produced the series’ First Weapons, which took out GOLD at the New York Festivals Film and TV Awards in 2024. is a Warlpiri, Warrumungu, and Arrernte filmmaker from Central Australia. Her career in media began at Papulu Apparr Kari Language Centre in Tennant Creek in 1998, followed by a role as a Production Assistant at the CAAMA Productions in 2000. Dena gained formal training through the AFTRS, completing a graduate diploma in Television Editing. In 2005, Dena wrote and directed her first short film, Hush, which garnered international acclaim, screening at festivals like Creteil Film Des Femmes Festival and Palm Springs International Short Film Festival. Her subsequent short film, Jacob, released in 2010, won multiple awards and screening at prestigious festivals including Melbourne International Film Festival, Adelaide Short Film Festival and Aspen Shortsfest . Dena took on roles at National Indigenous Television and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before establishing Inkey Media in 2015, focusing on projects that showcase Indigenous stories and stories of resistance and resilience. Her work includes developing and producing the acclaimed children's series Grace Beside Me and co-producing award-winning documentaries like Ella, Shadow Trackers and Belonging. Most recently, Dena executive produced Rebels with a Cause which premiered at MIFF and produced the series’ First Weapons, which took out GOLD at the New York Festivals Film and TV Awards in 2024.