Budding Indigenous storytellers have a chance to connect and create real impact through the second iteration of a collaborative training program in New South Wales.

Developed by Indigenous storytelling agency GARUWA and independent film financier Doc Society, the First Nations Impact Lab is an annual program unlocking the potential of Indigenous creatives.

The next cohort of First Nations storytellers will be chosen for the collaborative four-day program, where eight compelling creatives at the intersection of documentary storytelling and impact campaigning will learn best practices for unlocking the potential of their ideas and developing their projects, helping them reach new and wider audiences.

Held in late October on Wodi Wodi Country in Kangaroo Valley, Indigenous creatives at the heart of documentary storytelling will connect with like-minded practitioners to sharpen strategies and start community-driven projects.

Led by Worimi woman and GARUWA co-creator, Genevieve Grieves, and Darumbal and Bundjalung producer Laurrie Mansfield, the intensive program would help unlock the potential impact of advocates, artists, campaigners, curators, educators and filmmakers.

The Indigenous cohort would access best-practice training, helping to increase the voice of First Nations creatives across the screen sector.

The group of eight would study a range of case studies and effective strategies for independent documentary filmmaking as a tool for social or environmental change.

"Post-referendum, the role of First Nations changemakers has become more crucial and important than ever before," Ms Grieves said.

"First Nations storytellers are mobilising cultural, social, and environmental change."

Grassroots communities were influencing policy, protecting Country, and prioritising the voices and needs of First Peoples.

"By placing the communities most affected front and centre, we can activate real, transformational change," Ms Grieves said.

The First Nations Impact Lab was first held last year, with inaugural participants including producer Shari Hutchison (Nyikina), director Yale MacGillivray (Kalkatungu), filmmaker Dylan Nicholls (Yuwaalaraay) and director Jai Wright (Jinibara, Mununjali, Wanggerriburra).

GARUWA was this year excited to partner with Doc Society, which supports creatives across the world with producing ground-breaking work that exposes, shifts or transforms society.

"Bringing these resources and knowledge to First Nations creatives in Australia is incredibly exciting," Ms Grieves said.

"Our industry and communities are filled with remarkable change-makers.

"This Lab will deepen their understanding of how to use screen-based storytelling to make a significant impact both locally and globally."

Ms Hutchison, a Nyikina woman from the Pilbara and a 2023 participant, said she took invaluable lessons and experience from professionals in the industry on how to take her projects to the next level and have meaningful impact.

"It was inspiring to hear what everyone was doing and how we can also help each other," she said.

"I feel very connected to this group of people, and I am sure there are going to be ways in which we all work together again in the future."

First Nations people across Australia can apply, regardless of experience. The program is free, but participants must identify as First Peoples of Australia, and have an active project (at any stage) that requires creative solutions to be produced.

Applications for the course on Tuesday October 29 to Friday November 1 close on August 25.

To apply or find out more, visit the First Nations Impact Lab website or contact impact@garuwa.com