Dena Curtis is a Warlpiri, Warrumungu, and Arrernte filmmaker from Central Australia. Her career in media began at Papulu Apparr Kari Language Centre in Tennant Creek in 1998, followed by a role as a Production Assistant at the CAAMA Productions in 2000. Dena gained formal training through the AFTRS, completing a graduate diploma in Television Editing. In 2005, Dena wrote and directed her first short film, Hush, which garnered international acclaim, screening at festivals like ImagineNATIVE and the Melbourne International Film Festival. Her subsequent short film, Jacob, released in 2008, further solidified her reputation, winning multiple awards and screening at prestigious festivals including TIFF and Flickerfest.

From 2010 onwards, Dena took on roles at National Indigenous Television and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation before establishing Inkey Media in 2015, focusing on projects that showcase Indigenous stories and stories of resistance and resilience. Her work includes developing and producing the acclaimed children’s series Grace Beside Me and co-producing award-winning documentaries like Ella, Shadow Trackers and Belonging. Most recently, Dena executive produced Rebels with a Cause which premiered at MIFF and produced the series’ First Weapons, which took out GOLD at the New York Festivals Film and TV Awards.

---

Company Bio

Dedicated to supporting and strengthening the oldest living culture in the world, NITV serves as a vital platform for Indigenous voices and stories. This channel celebrates and champions the place of unique, inspiring storytelling through Indigenous perspectives. NITV showcases a diverse range of content made by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, exploring themes of culture, identity, and connection.