About us
Wirra Distribution
Wirra Distribution is Australia’s only 100% Aboriginal-owned and managed film distribution company. We are proud to stand at the forefront of a new wave of storytellers, those grounded in culture, driven by community, and committed to reshaping the Australian screen landscape through First Nations perspectives.
At our core, Wirra Distribution exists to champion First Nations voices and connect audiences to powerful, authentic stories, both across Australia and internationally. We believe film has the power to shift narratives, spark understanding, and celebrate identity.
But we are not defined only by our identity, and we are looking to distribute any great story that comes our way!
Our Brand
Wirra Distribution represents more than just a film distributor, it is a groundbreaking, bold and values-driven brand with a mission to work within the Australian screen industry through a First Nations lens. Our name, Wirra — meaning “coolamon” in the Wongutha language, reflects our role as a cultural vessel: holding, protecting, and carrying powerful stories from Country to Screen. But, while our heart beats for First Nations storytelling, we are also proudly inclusive — welcoming powerful, purpose-driven stories from filmmakers of all backgrounds who share our values of respect, authenticity, and impact.
Our Vision
To be the leading First Nations-led film distribution company in Australia, connecting audiences to diverse voices through culturally rich, world-class cinema.
Our Mission
Wirra Distribution is on a mission to bridge the gap between First Nations filmmakers and audiences through inclusive, innovative, and values-driven film distribution. By embracing cultural awareness, creativity, and cutting-edge technology, we strive to reshape the future of film, one story at a time.
Meet our Team
Travis Akbar
Founder & Head of Sales
Travis is a Wongutha man and filmmaker whose worked in the film industry for the last 6 years.
Through writing, Travis has managed to work with a number of high-level industry professionals, including Stuart Beattie, Steph Lady, Judd Tilyard, Phillip Noyce and more.
In 2025, upon noticing a gap in the market when it came to First Nations owned distributors, he founded Wirra Distribution. "Wirra" is the Wongutha word for Coolamon.
Thibul Nettle
Head of Acquisitions
Thibul is a prominent Indigenous Australian actor, writer, and producer, born in 1982 in Perth, Western Australia. He is a proud Nyoongar man from the Bibbulam and Whadjuk peoples. Nettle has built a respected career in film and television, known for his dedication to authentic storytelling and representation of Indigenous voices.
In 2014, he founded Firestick Films, marking his move into filmmaking and produced and sold numerous short and feature films.
Meet our Industry Partner
Screen Inc. is an Australia-based boutique film distribution company with 25+ years of experience in the film industry. We embrace our heritage of independence, working closely with our many partners, be it filmmakers, networks or fellow travellers, both local and overseas, to maximise revenue and eyeballs for the content that we represent, primarily in Australia and New Zealand, but also globally. We love film in all its different forms, arthouse and commercial, embracing the multifarious audience segments for content and channels of distribution.