About This Opportunity
The Traditional Knowledge Recording Unit (TKRU) is seeking an experienced Director and/or Producer to lead the development and production of a groundbreaking 3-part documentary series capturing the formation of the Reef Traditional Owner Sea Country Alliance.
This is an opportunity to document a once-in-a-generation movement as Traditional Owners from across Queensland’s coastline come together to fundamentally reshape how the Great Barrier Reef is protected and governed—creating a powerful platform for self-determination, economic opportunity, and community wellbeing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers and production professionals are strongly encouraged to apply.
+ Key Project Details:
Format: 3-part documentary series (minimum 30 minutes per episode)
Distribution: Streaming platforms
Timeline: Filming 2026, launch approximately March 2027
Budget: Current funding $200,000 | Total target $400,000+
Filming Locations: Approximately 13 locations across Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef region
+ What We’re Looking For:
Essential:
- Proven experience producing and/or directing documentary content
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities
- Strong track record in securing production funding
- Understanding of and commitment to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols
- Availability for travel across Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef region throughout 2026
Highly Desirable:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander filmmaker
- Based in Queensland, particularly within the Great Barrier Reef catchment region
- Experience with environmental or conservation documentaries
- Experience with multi-part documentary series
For a detailed position description, please access the Expressions of Interest document
+ How to Apply:
Deadline: 5:00pm AEST Tuesday 3 March 2026
Please submit the following:
- Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining:
- Your interest in this project
- Your approach to centring Traditional Owner voices and knowledge
- Your relevant experience
- Whether you are applying as a Director, Producer, or Director-Producer partnership
- CV/Resume including:
- Relevant production credits
- Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Fundraising track record
- Portfolio including:
- Links to or samples of previous documentary work
- Understanding of domestic and international film festivals
- Strategic partnerships and supporters you can bring to the project
- References from previous collaborators (minimum 2)
- Expression of capability (maximum 1 page) addressing:
- Your initial creative vision for this series
- Your approach to assembling crew and sourcing equipment
- Your strategy for securing additional funding
- Your understanding of cultural protocols and ethical Indigenous storytelling
- Conflict of interest declaration noting any potential conflicts
+ Submit Your Application:
Email: contact@reefto.au and jax@reefto.au
Subject line: EOI – Sea Country Alliance Documentary Director/Producer
Deadline: 5:00pm AEST Tuesday 3 March 2026
+ Questions?
For questions about this opportunity, please contact:
Jax Compton
Comms & Creative Project Manager
jax@reefto.au
ReefTO is committed to supporting Traditional Owners across the Great Barrier Reef region.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers and production professionals.