PUBLISHED24 Mar 2025
Impact Producer Program 2025 launches
2025 participants of Impact Producer Program announced
Storytelling for Change: Documentary Australia Welcomes 2025 Impact Producer Program Participants
(Sydney, Australia March 24, 2025) Documentary Australia is proud to announce the two participants selected for the third year of its Impact Producer Program: Jessica Hamilton and Matisse Walkden-Brown.
This pioneering program offers professional training, mentorship, and practical experience in developing and executing documentary impact campaigns that drive social change.
Lisa Kanani, Documentary Australia’s Impact Director, says the program has significant value in developing our future impact leaders.
“An Impact Producer’s role is to design and implement strategic impact and education strategies around social impact documentaries. We are excited to equip Jess and Matisse with the knowledge and hands-on skills to be able to do this important work.”
Documentary Australia’s CEO, Dr Mitzi Goldman, emphasises the program’s importance in today’s evolving media landscape: “We are thrilled to welcome Matisse and Jess to our team for the third year of the Impact Producer Program. This year we had 120 applications, illustrating the broad interest in this continually developing role. We have no doubt about the need for this skill set in the changing media landscape we operate within.
“The role needs cross-sector collaborations, partnerships, networks and broad coalitions to make impact with documentary stories if we are to make positive change in our world. We will be offering new learning modules, masterclasses and events this year and we look forward to connecting our two new participants with the broader sectors we work with.”
“An important part of the program is our public masterclasses,” adds Lisa. “They are a great opportunity to learn from the sector, gain practical insights and be part of a passionate community using storytelling to make a difference.”
For the successful participants, the opportunity marks a significant step in their careers as impact producers.
Jessica Hamilton, a writer and producer, says, “It’s an incredible opportunity to be invited to participate in Documentary Australia’s Impact Producer Program. I’m a strong believer in the power of storytelling to connect to audiences and inspire social change, and I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding of how change can flow from the screen to our homes, classrooms and policies. It’s a privilege to be able to soak up the wealth of knowledge and experience from the team, impact experts and values-led filmmakers.”
Matisse Walkden-Brown, a communications professional with a background in media, NGOs, and international development, says, “I am absolutely over the moon to be selected for this year’s Impact Producer Program. To have the opportunity to build on my passion for creating social impact through beautiful storytelling, in such a significant way, is phenomenal. I’m incredibly grateful to Documentary Australia and look forward to immersing myself in all the deep learnings this year has in store.”
More About the 2025 Impact Producer Program Participants
Jessica Hamilton is a writer and producer. She has created and produced audio documentaries for ABC RN, CSIRO, Greenpeace, the Sydney Opera House, and Audible, and is currently producing an independent series about regenerating soil. Her work has been awarded by the Australian Podcast Awards, Rose D’Or, and ACRA, and has been shortlisted for Third Coast & BBC Audio Drama Awards. With a background in behaviour change campaigns and a master’s degree in Marine Science and Management, Jess is passionate about creative storytelling for environmental, climate, and social impact.
Matisse Walkden-Brown is a communications professional specialising in campaigning and impact content. Having worked across mainstream media, NGOs, and international development, she focuses on harnessing the power of strong stories to activate lasting change. Matisse grew up in Fiji and has experience in both the Pacific climate justice movement and the local film industry. She holds a BA in Journalism and a master’s degree in International and Community Development.
Documentary Australia’s Impact Producer Program is made possible thanks to the support of its major partners, including Dyson Bequest, The Snow Foundation, Screen Australia, Screen NSW, and Minderoo Pictures, plus venue partner Shark Island Institute.
Learn more about the Impact Producer Program HERE