AFTRS has launched a revamped Indigenous Unit, headed by Kyas Sherriff.
The initial program for 2016 will include the Black Talk series (similar to AFTRS Friday on My Mind), talent labs and Industry events.
Across the AFTRS curriculum, there will be an increased academic focus on Indigenous representation on Australian screen.
The school is also proposing an industry symposium on cultural diversity both on screen and behind the scenes.
The Black Talk series aims to engage the wider screen industry in an understanding of contemporary Indigenous storytelling.
The first Black Talk, on February 17, featured Mexican author, screenwriter, director and producer Guillermo Arriaga (writer of 21 Grams, Babel and Amores Perros).
Arriaga, who is in Australia as a guest of NITV, has a history of sharing his knowledge with Australian Indigenous filmmakers, including participating in a previous Screen Australia Workshop with published Indigenous novelists on the craft of writing for screen.
Indigenous filmmaker Warwick Thornton, was one of nine international directors in Arriaga’s Words With Gods anthology.
Sherriff said AFTRS had a long history of nurturing Indigenous students across a range of study options, including targeted short courses.
"The Indigenous Unit will be implementing programs to increase Indigenous numbers in our student body and we are focused on providing professional development opportunities for mid-level Indigenous practitioners," she said.
"Our practical labs will offer deep learning experiences, and through industry partnerships, we will be offering accessible pathways to career progression.
Sheriff said Black Talk would be a regular event for AFTRS students and the industry, where special guests will be invited to share their experiences and knowledge.
"We want to deepen the understanding of protocols and offer practical as well as creative advice about working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and filmmakers,” she said.
Kyas Sherriff has worked across feature films, documentaries, TV series and shorts.
As a member of Screen Australia’s indigenous department, Kyas helped bring popular and critically acclaimed content to international screens, including TV series 8MMM, feature film The Darkside and documentary The Redfern Story.
She has worked with some of Australia’s most experienced and renowned Indigenous screen practitioners assisting them in getting their projects from development through to production.
AFTRS Indigenous Alumni include Warwick Thornton, Ivan Sen, Rachel Perkins and Catriona McKenzie.