Australia’s global screen success will be in the limelight at this year’s Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest, with a heavyweight panel set to unpack how ‘Brand Australia’ is being shaped, exported and reimagined on the world stage.
Titled ‘Brand Australia And The Drama Down Under’, the session brings together an exceptional trio of voices spanning cinematography, tourism and culturally grounded storytelling, each playing a critical role in how Australia is seen beyond its shores.
Leading the charge is ACS cinematographer Toby Oliver, best known for his work on Get Out and a slate of internationally acclaimed film and television projects. Oliver also served as cinematographer on Looking for Alibrandi, the acclaimed coming-of-age film directed by Kate Woods and set in 1990s Sydney.
He will be joined on the panel by Aaron Fa’aoso, award-winning Torres Strait Islander filmmaker and founder of Lonestar Entertainment Company, who is championing bold, authentic storytelling from Australia to the world.
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Fa’aoso first gained national recognition as an actor in many hit Australian series including Remote Area Nurse, East West 101, The Straits, Blue Water Empire, and Black Comedy, before transitioning into writing, producing, and directing. He is the creator and producer of the internationally broadcast series Strait to the Plate, and is currently building a slate of scripted and unscripted projects driven by bold, culturally grounded storytelling from the Torres Strait and Far North Queensland.
Also on the unmissable panel is Rajeev Raja, founder and Soundsmith at BrandMusiq, who will bring a unique perspective on how Australian stories travel beyond Western markets. Raja, who will also be speaking as one of three leaders in the day three Cairns Masterclass, presented by News Australia, explore what resonates with Indian audiences, unpacking the cultural nuances, emotional cues and storytelling techniques that help Australian content gain traction in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets.
The trio will be led by Minta Burn, head of global PR and advocacy at Tourism Australia, whose career has been defined by bringing Australian stories to global audiences through blockbuster campaigns and cultural partnerships. As moderator, Minta will lead the conversation, leveraging her extensive experience in connecting Australian storytelling with global audiences.
Together, the panel will explore how Australian content, from long-running soaps to award-winning campaigns and movies, have become a powerful cultural export, influencing not just entertainment but tourism, perception and national identity.
Nancy Hromin, co-founder of Irresistible Magazine and co-curator of the Film & Screen track, said the session taps into a critical moment for both the screen and tourism industries. “Australia has always punched above its weight creatively, but what’s exciting now is how deeply connected storytelling, place and perception have become. This session is about understanding that relationship and how we continue to evolve it on a global stage.”
The conversation will also tackle the shifting dynamics of the global screen industry, including the contraction in Los Angeles, changing incentive models and the growing opportunity for regions like Australia to step forward. From measuring real audience connection to understanding how Australia is viewed internationally, the session promises a sharp, strategic lens on what comes next.
The new for 2026 Film & Screen track, powered by cultural tastemaker Irresistible Magazine, takes place on day two of the three-day landmark event, Wednesday May 13th, with programme content reflecting the increasing importance of storytelling, content and culture in shaping modern marketing and brand building. You can view the full agenda here.
Calling all filmmakers and producers — email [email protected] for a special discount. Local Cairns filmmakers can attend for free.
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