ABOUT US
Breaking Boundaries, Bridging Cultures
Why Diversity Matters
The Australian population is diverse, and we believe that everyone's stories should be heard. We aim to provide better opportunities for individuals to share their unique perspectives with audiences.
How do we know all this?
AFDIF is always looking to collaborate with like-minded associations and other organisations. Reports produced by the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network (SDIN) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) clearly show a big gap in equality. AFDIF would like to raise awareness about this and create opportunities for those who have been neglected. We understand that blaming the system will not initiate change. Change can only happen if we create more platforms which are easy to access.
Diversity in Australia
AFDIF believes that screen, media and performing arts content is a hugely influential and important shaper of Australian culture. AFDIF 's main goal is to provide a platform to those individuals who are passionate and trying to create better content. More diverse stories will make the audiences a richer and more reflective picture of contemporary Australia. AFDIF also recognises that organisations, culture and creativity benefit from diversity and inclusion. This will increase the chances for an inclusive culture, and could contribute to the Australian film and arts industry.
OUR PEOPLE
Yogi Devgan
Yogi Devgan is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, and producer based in Australia. Most of his work reflects his multicultural roots and his passion for meaningful, human-centered storytelling. In recognition of his contribution to arts and culture, he received the Governor’s Multicultural Award 2025 and was nominated for the Citizen of the Year Award in 2023 and 2025 for his community contributions. A graduate of the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Film and Television, Yogi founded Mount Lofty Studios, dedicated to bold and authentic storytelling exploring themes of diversity, inclusion, and social impact. His short film I Am OK is a 2026 contender for the AACTA Awards.
Nalina Tran
Nalina Cat Tuong is a Vietnamese-Australian producer with a background in film, advertising and documentary. As a passionate cultural advocate, she strongly resonates with AFDIF and the festival’s core values, which thrives to provide a platform for underrepresented and marginalized voices.
Effie Peters
Effie is an experienced business professional with a passion for film and the performing arts. Her enthusiasm for the creative industry has led her to pursue projects in screenwriting, acting and filmmaking. She has co-produced the Launch Film Festival and served as an organiser for the Adelaide 48 Hour Film Project. Combining business expertise with creative vision, Effie actively supports emerging talent and independent cinema.
Adam Gerard
Adam began his stage career at age five and, over the past 33 years, has created podcasts, documentaries, online content and advertising projects. He co-wrote and produced Raukkan: The Fifty Dollar Church for NITV’s Our Stories and directed documentaries for Reconciliation SA and the Department of Child Protection. Through Cabana Productions, he received multiple OnBusiness Awards and was named one of InDaily’s 40 Under 40 in 2022. His productions include Three Names, One Woman – Kunyi’s Story, Tambo, Iain and Allen: Full Circle, and 2500 km of Healing.
Travis Akbar
Travis Akbar is a Wongutha man raised in South Australia, and has been mentored by leading industry figures including writers Stuart Beattie, Steph Lady, Alexis West, and Nathan Maynard; directors Phillip Noyce and Julius Avery; and producers Judd Tilyard and Sandy Cameron. He was selected for AFTRS State Talent Camp (2019) and National Talent Camp (2020), and was a finalist for Screen Australia’s Writer’s Incubator Initiative (2021). Since then, his work has been recognised through the AACTA
Alex Considine
Alex Considine is a final-year student at the University of Adelaide of mixed Filipino heritage and a second-generation Australian. He completed his internship with the Australian Film Diversity and Inclusion Foundation (AFDIF) and attended the 2025 AFDIF Film Festival. Witnessing the impact of AFDIF firsthand strengthened his belief in the importance of inclusive storytelling and community representation. His experience working alongside Yogi Devgan was highly influential, leading him to continue volunteering his time to support AFDIF’s ongoing mission.
Stephen Tongun
Stephen Tongun stars alongside Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, Jurnee Smollett in the new Netflix thriller "Spiderhead" directed by Joseph Kosinski. Stephen is an Actor, a Lawyer and a sought after Master of Ceremonies for his abilities to engage and entertain people. Stephen Pitya Tongun was born in Juba, South Sudan during the civil war. His family got displaced and they became refugees when he was just six months old. The Tongun family escaped to Nairobi, granted a humanitarian visa to resettle in Adelaide, Australia.
Violeta Abarzua
Violeta Abarzua is a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, refugee and mother of neurodivergent children. She founded Mingle Co to create inclusive spaces where neurodivergent people could connect, build friendships and feel safe being themselves. Through advocacy, she recognised the barriers many face in entrepreneurship, employment and social participation. As Mingle Co evolved, it became a reflection of her passions for community building, storytelling, mentoring, culture and advocacy.
Kylie Tan
Kylie Tan is a final-year student at the University of Adelaide who successfully completed her internship with AFDIF. Her experience with AFDIF inspired her to continue volunteering her time to support the festival’s mission of raising awareness around diversity and inclusion. She has been actively involved in assisting with creative content, outreach, and community engagement. Through this journey, she has developed stronger skills in communication, teamwork, and storytelling, while building meaningful connections within the creative community. Kyle remains passionate about using media to amplify underrepresented voices.
Jason Ken
Jason Ken, B.A. (Hons), MTeach (Sec), studied at the University of South Australia (UniSA) and currently works as a secondary school teacher specialising in Digital Media. Passionate about education and storytelling, he combines classroom teaching with extensive experience in television production. Jason has directed programs including OurTime and S.A. Sport Show, bringing creativity and communication to a wide range of audiences. His background in both media and education reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers.
Sam Matthews
Sam Matthews is a screen industry professional with long-standing expertise in post production. She is passionate about filmmaking that increases awareness around LGBTIQA+ identities and that celebrates diverse human experiences. In 2024, Sam was awarded Highly Commended in a Feature Documentary by Australian Screen Editors for 'A Portrait of Love', directed by Molly Reynolds. Sam co-directed ‘Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes’ (2023, Stan) with Julie Kalceff. web series ‘Unboxed’ (2018, ABC) .
Faheem Samejo
Faheem Samjejo is a film producer who has worked on feature film projects and is also the founder of Kaya Disability Support, an NDIS business providing services for people living with disability. Born in Pakistan, he brings lived experience of migration and cultural diversity into both his creative and professional work. He has been part of the Australian Film Diversity and Inclusion Foundation since 2023, where he served as part of the judging team at AFDIF programs and events. He continues to be involved in the organisation’s activities and contributes to its focus on diversity, inclusion, and representation in the screen industry.