AFTRS is proud to celebrate and honour the First Nations graduates for 2023 during the First Nations Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 16 May 2024.
The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of each of the graduates amongst their loved ones, First Nations community, AFTRS staff and Industry guests. This event also provided a platform for graduates to network and showcase their works to all attendees.
Graduating in the class of 2023 are Brittney Morris (Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production), Keelan Betts (Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production), Nicole Hutton Lewis (Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production), April Howard (Master of Arts Screen: Business), EJ Garrett (Master of Arts Screen: Business), and Margaret Ross (Master of Arts Screen: Business). EJ Garrett was also the speaker for the Graduating class of 2023 during the AFTRS Graduation Ceremony on Friday 17 May 2024.
Following a grounding Smoking Ceremony and performances by Gawura Cultural Immersions dancers, attendees were guided into the Main Theatre where Gadigal Bidgigal Traditional Owner and AFTRS Elder-In-Residence Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor Welcomed all attendees to Country.
Jake Gablonski, Wiradjuri storyteller and Head of the Student Centre at AFTRS, led the proceedings as the nights MC. We were honoured to welcome keynote speaker, Worimi creative Genevieve Grieves who is the Co-Founder of First Nations storytelling initiative Garuwa, who shared her story and learnings with the graduates. Skye Leon, Yangkaal and Worimi screen storyteller and AFTRS alum, shared her experience post AFTRS and highlighted potential pathways for the graduates.
A highlights reel of graduates works was showcased prior to Aunty Rhonda presenting stoles to each of the graduates. Skye accepted Brittney’s stole on her behalf.
The ceremony closed with a performance by Naarm-based Noongar singer Bumpy, who shared insights of sharing stories and truth-telling through music and art while gently wrapping graduates and the audience in culture.
We look forward to seeing how the graduates share their stories in the future, and we wish them the best for the next phase of their journeys.
Learn more about the event and the First Nations graduates in this years program.
