05 August 2025
The Helpmann Academy is thrilled to announce that Jack Langford has received the inaugural First Nations Award, thanks to the generous support of major partner SA Power Networks.
Newly established in 2025, the First Nations Award provides a launchpad for emerging First Nations creative talent in South Australia and acknowledges their career achievements and recognises their potential.
A proud Yorta Yorta First Nations filmmaker and recent Honours graduate of Flinders University, Jack Langford is an exciting emerging voice in Australian cinema. The project that the award will support, Beyond Borders, is an ambitious feature documentary that will explore how archaeology is evolving through collaboration with First Nations peoples around the world.
Filmed at the World Archaeology Congress in Darwin, the work will centre First Nations voices and perspectives, highlighting decolonial ethics, cultural protection, and new ways of communicating history through film.
Valued at $5,000, the award will support the post-production phase of the documentary, helping Jack and his team shape the powerful footage already captured into a compelling, globally relevant film. The project stands to spark important conversations about truth telling, cultural sovereignty, and the role of First Nations knowledge systems in shaping our understanding of the past.
“This opportunity means a lot to my team and me. It honours the hard work we’ve put into production and gives us the chance to finish the project properly. Having support for post [production] means we can really focus on delivering a polished final piece that keeps the heart of the message intact. Sharing First Nations knowledge and practices with wider audiences is so important, and this support helps us do that right.”
Jack Langford – First Nations Award, 2025 recipient
Jack Langford working on set with his film crew. Photo credits: Dylan McCarthy.
Anthony von der Borch, Partnerships and Events Manager at SA Power Networks, is very excited about collaborating with the Helpmann Academy for the inaugural First Nations Award.
“As long–time partners of the Helpmann Academy, it is our privilege to support this exciting new award, recognising the outstanding work of a First Nations creative. At SA Power Networks, we believe in the power of arts to inspire people, create lasting impact, and connect communities. By supporting an early–career First Nations creative practitioner, we are thrilled to contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant creative and cultural landscape. We’re excited about this new initiative and how it champions First Nations talent, while empowering these emerging creatives to bring their visions to life.”
Anthony von der Borch, Partnerships and Events Manager at SA Power Networks
Since 1994, The Helpmann Academy has been championing emerging artists in South Australia. Their vision is to empower our most promising up-and-coming creatives by supporting them to bring their ideas to life and establish sustainable careers.
“This award is not only a recognition of artistic excellence—it is a dedicated investment in professional development, providing a meaningful opportunity for Jack to grow his creative practice, build networks, and develop new work. We congratulate Jack and extend our heartfelt thanks to SA Power Networks for their vision and commitment to empowering the next generation of First Nations creative leaders through this partnership.”
Jane MacFarlane, CEO Helpmann Academy
The Helpmann Academy First Nations Award is proudly supported by SA Power Networks, a Major Partner of the Helpmann Academy.
Image: Jack Langford working on set. Photo credits: Dylan McCarthy.