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Two regional South Australian filmmakers selected for Screenworks’ New Kids on the Block

01 September 2026
SA regional screen practitioners Ekkia Evans (left) and Isaac Coen Lindsay (right) have been selected for the New Kids on the Block cohort.

Screenworks has announced two regional South Australian screen practitioners as participants for the 2026 edition of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB), supported by the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC).

SA creatives Ekkia Evans and Isaac Coen Lindsay are among the 11 emerging practitioners selected to receive support to attend the Regional to Global Screen Forum in Northern NSW, held 9–10 September. This year’s group is a diverse mix of filmmakers including directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, editors and composers representing South Australia, NSW, ACT and Tasmania.

Screenworks CEO Lisa Rose said: “A warm congratulations to our 2026 New Kids on the Block cohort. These emerging practitioners join a growing network of regional talent who have taken part in the program since it began in 2022. Thank you to the screen agencies who support this foundational program and recognise the value of bringing new voices and fresh perspectives from the regions. We look forward to welcoming this year’s New Kids to Regional to Global, as they kick-start their careers and make the most of everything this flagship event for regional Australia’s screen industry has to offer.”  

With support from the SAFC, Screen NSW, Screen Canberra and Screen Tasmania, the New Kids receive financial assistance for conference attendance and travel, plus on-the-ground guidance for the duration of the Forum, which brings creative voices and industry leaders together in a relaxed regional setting.

SA practitioner Ekkia Evans said: “I’m beyond excited to be a part of the New Kids on the Block 2026! I intend to make the most of this opportunity and I am keen to connect with my fellow screen practitioners and learn more about this incredible industry.”

NKOTB has had over 60 participants to date, with alumni including Shontell Ketchell (writer on Ghosts, Gold Diggers, Lakefield, Barrumbi Kids), Ella Watkins (writer, director and content creator with over three million followers) and Caden Pearson (Commissioning Editor at NITV; director, producer and writer of Lakefield).

Screenworks’ Regional to Global is fast approaching, with just one week to go until the highlight on the Australian regional screen industry calendar brings 60+ screen industry professionals together for two days of insight, inspiration and connection.

The 2026 program includes four SA speakers – producer and CrewHQ founder Kirsty Stark, writer and showrunner Joshua Tyler, actor Teresa Palmer and SAFC Program Coordinator Julia Light – and case studies for SAFC supported series Top End Bub and My Brilliant Career.

The event provides a significant engagement opportunity, contributing to a rich and diverse regional Australian screen industry. Final tickets are available at screenworks.com.au/opportunities/regional-to-global-2026

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