Jack Christian Resigns as Chair of Australian Film Institute
The leadership change arrives as the organisation faces mounting pressure and legal threats from Dr. George Miller.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Film — General
Live Poll
Should board members face removal for poor financial performance of a non-profit organization?
Jack Christian has stepped down as Chair of the Australian Film Institute and AACTA following six years in the leadership position. The board is now working to resolve ongoing criticism and legal threats from filmmaker Dr. George Miller.
Why it matters
The leadership shift aims to address financial instability and internal restructuring disputes ahead of a contentious annual meeting. The board remains under pressure as five directors face potential removal following four years of operating deficits.
The AFI has recorded four consecutive years of operating deficits. Five board directors currently face formal removal resolutions from the camp of Dr. George Miller.
The players
Jack Christian
He served as the Chair of the Australian Film Institute and AACTA for six years before his recent resignation.
Dr. George Miller
A prominent filmmaker who has been actively challenging the current board structure and threatening litigation.
Damian Trewhella
The former CEO is currently involved in ongoing Federal Court proceedings against the organisation.
The details
In an attempt to stabilise the organisation, the board has engaged independent auditors and external accountants to review business areas. They have also internally shared the identity of a newly appointed General Manager with Dr. Miller to help resolve the board dispute.
Timeline
April 2026 marked the start of litigation threats against the board.
October 2026 saw the publication of reports regarding the board dispute.
16 December 2026 is the scheduled date for the AACTA Annual General Meeting.
2030 is the scheduled end date for an upcoming broadcast deal.
Industry Dynamics
This leadership crisis follows the ongoing Federal Court proceedings involving Damian Trewhella, highlighting a period of significant institutional turbulence. The struggle reflects broader tensions in the Australian film sector regarding organisational governance and financial oversight.
The upcoming broadcast deal, set to run until 2030, will dictate how the public consumes the AACTA Awards in future years. Changes to the organisation's financial stability may also impact the scale and production quality of upcoming award ceremonies held on the Gold Coast.
The takeaway
Organisational restructures often signal a critical pivot point for non-profit entities struggling with consecutive years of financial losses. Stakeholders should monitor the 16 December meeting outcomes as they will likely dictate the future direction of the institution.
What happens next
The board will release financial reports to members ahead of the 16 December 2026 AACTA Annual General Meeting. Additionally, the organisation expects to announce a new broadcast deal in the coming weeks.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry by visiting the Film — General section.
Live Poll
Should board members face removal for poor financial performance of a non-profit organization?
