ACTF News

L-R: Emmi Williams, Alyla Browne, Luca Miller, Giselle Philogene and Riley Stiles

The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and Stan celebrated their partnership at Parliament House on Tuesday night, as guests gathered for the world premiere of the new family feature film Whale Shark Jack.

Attendees had the chance to meet young members of the film’s cast, as well as whale shark puppet “Baby Jack”, used during filming. Children were especially thrilled to meet young stars Alyla Browne, Giselle Philogene, Luca Miller, Emmi Williams and Riley Stiles, who lit up the screen during the film.

Also there to celebrate were the Western Australian creative team behind the production – screenwriter and author Kathryn Lefroy, director and producer Miranda Edmonds, director Khrob Edmonds, producer Timothy White, co-producer Georgia White and Minderoo Pictures Executive Director Malinda Wink, along with investors, including Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan.

Whale Shark Jack is a heartwarming adventure story about family, friendship, resilience and the natural world. Filmed around Western Australia’s spectacular Ningaloo Reef, it follows 12-year-old Sarah (Alyla Browne), who lives on a boat with her marine biologist parents. Her only friend is a whale shark named Jack, who she rescued as a baby. Following a tragic accident, Mum and Sarah move to the coastal town of Exmouth, but when Jack fails to return from his migration, Sarah embarks on a risky mission to find him.

Introducing the film to a packed cinema at Australian Parliament House, Special Envoy to the Arts Susan Templeman MP said Whale Shark Jack is a reminder of why Australian storytelling is something worth championing, protecting and celebrating.

“Tonight is more than a premiere – it’s about the power of storytelling and the power of representation in young Australians,” she said. “The core purpose of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation is simple but profound – to make Australian children’s lives better through screen content that reflects who they are, their humour, their families, their landscapes and their values. That idea sits right at the heart of our National Cultural Policy, Revive, and it matters deeply that Australian children see themselves on screen.

“Australian children deserve stories with heart, stories with humour, stories with courage, stories that show them the beauty of the world around them and their place within it.”

Whale Shark Jack is the second film in the ACTF and Stan partnership, following the critically acclaimed Windcatcher (2024). A third film will go into production in 2026.

“This partnership with Stan is incredibly precious to the ACTF, because Stan has chosen to raise the bar with us by supporting high quality films for children that will endure and be valuable for generations of viewers,” said ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland at the screening.

“Through Stan originals, we’ve become the largest commissioner of Australian drama in the country, reflecting our belief that a strong screen industry is built through long term partnerships,” said Stan Executive Director Dan Taylor. “Whale Shark Jack is a perfect example of that approach and partnership in action.

“We are proud to be part of a film that feels so distinctly Australian… We’re making stories that are by Australian people, for Australian people, with Australians in mind.”

Whale Shark Jack premieres April 2, only on Stan.

L-R: ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O'Mahony, cast members Emmi Williams, Luca Miller, Alyla Browne and, ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland, ACTF Board Chair Helen Silver, ACTF Board members Michelle Lim Davidson and Olivia Humphrey and ACTF Education Advisory Panel member Paul Wood

Giselle Philogene mingles with families before the screening

L-R: Cast member Riley Stiles, ACTF Head of Content Bernadette O'Mahony, cast member Luca Miller, Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan, ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland, Stan Executive Director Dan Taylor, cast members Alyla Browne, Emmi Williams and Giselle Philogene, Nine Head of Drama Andy Ryan and Stan Commissioning Editor Donna Chang

Special Envoy to the Arts Susan Templeman MP meets Whale Shark Jack cast members and puppet "Baby Jack"

L-R: Director Khrob Edmonds, cast members Luca Miller, Alyla Browne, Emmi Williams and Giselle Philogene, Director and Producer Miranda Edmonds, Screenwriter and author Kathryn Lefroy, Minderoo Pictures Executive Director Malinda Wink and Producer Timothy White

Whale Shark Jack's young cast enjoys the premiere of the film - the first screen appearance for many

The Stan Original Film Whale Shark Jack is produced by Cottesloe Films and Southern Light Films, as part of the Australian Children's Television Foundation (ACTF) / Stan Family Film partnership. ​Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation and Stan. Financed with support from Screenwest, Lotterywest, and the Western Australian Government through the Western Australian Regional Screen Fund, and in association with Minderoo Pictures. International sales by the Australian Children’s Television Foundation.