Torres Strait Creatives
Friday 9 February
10am AEST
There must be something special in the water up North.
Come celebrate Torres Strait Filmmakers in this panel led by actor, writer, director, and producer Aaron Fa'aoso (East West 101, Black Comedy & Blue Water Empire), joined on stage by Screen Queensland’s Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Danielle Ah Boo, and Screenwriter Shontell Ketchell (Black Comedy).
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this vibrant discussion as filmmakers and actors come together to showcase and celebrate the remarkable work and immense talent of the Torres Strait community on screen.
Additional panellists to be announced.
Featuring
Danielle Ah Boo
Danielle Ah Boo is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman, born and raised on Thursday Island. Ms Ah Boo is Screen Queensland’s first Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, a new leadership role created to uplift First Nations voices across the state’s screen industry.
Ms Ah Boo has previously worked in production for First Nations-founded agency Carbon Creative and more recently as a financial accountant with Arrow Energy. She has also served as Treasure and Co-Chair of Reconciliation Queensland.
Her role at Screen Queensland is to elevate awareness of the cultural significance of First Nations storytelling and amplifying First Nations voices in the screen industry, as truth-telling holds immense significance in shaping our nations’s history.
Shontell Ketchell
Shontell Leah Ketchell, is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander emerging screenwriter and producer from Cairns, Far North Queensland. In 2019 Shontell completed her Advanced Diploma in Screenwriting: Feature Film course at AFTRS.
Shontell was a part of the ABC sketch comedy series Black Comedy, season four writers’ workshop. Her first feature film screenplay, Adorkable, secured development funding from Screen Queensland in 2019 and 2022, and more recently Screen Australia in 2023.
In 2021, she wrote and produced Naytive, a short documentary for the ABC, which won best documentary at the Cairns Understory Film Festival. She also, wrote, produced and featured in recently release short documentary Sistas in Mining, for SBS/NITV. She also wrote an episode on NITV children’s show Barrumbi Kids.
More recently, Shontell had the opportunity to associate produce and co-write on a comedy series, Gold Diggers, a KOJO Studios production on ABC. At present, Shontell is writing and producing on SBS Food program, Taste of the Tropics, script consulting on season 2 of ABC production Troppo and working in development with Fremantle Media and Lone Star Productions on Legend of Kusa Kup.
Shontell’s long-term goal as a screenwriter is to contribute to the representation of her people and share Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories from their diverse perspectives.
Aaron Fa'aoso
Aaron Fa'Aoso is a versatile and acclaimed actor, producer and advocate known for his outstanding contributions to Australian entertainment.
Best recognized for his role in ABC's "BLACK COMEDY," Aaron's talent has garnered widespread acclaim. His recent work includes the ABC series "IN LIMBO," NITV's "GOING PLACES," and hosting two seasons of the food documentary series "STRAIT TO THE PLATE" on SBS/NITV, which he not only starred in but also created and produced. Additionally, his distinctive voice brings life to the character 'Old Dog' in the ABC animated series "LITTLE J & BIG CUZ." Aaron's upcoming project is Natalie Bailey's debut feature film, "AUDREY."
Aaron is a committed advocate and leader. He is a Board Director for SBS and Screen QLD. Is Co-Chair of the Queensland Interim Truth and Treaty Body, and is involved with Supply Nation and the Deaf Indigenous Dance organisation. Aaron is a multifaceted talent, a respected figure in the industry, and a passionate advocate for social causes, making him a truly remarkable and influential individual in Australian entertainment and community affairs.