Western Sydney filmmaker Fadia Abboud honoured with 2026 Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award – Acclaimed filmmaker Fadia Abboud has been named the recipient of the 2026 Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award, recognising her outstanding contribution to the Australian screen industry and her commitment to telling diverse Australian stories.
The Western Sydney creative was presented with the honour by Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich during the Closing Night Gala of the 73rd Sydney Film Festival at Sydney’s State Theatre. The annual award, established in 2016, includes a $10,000 cash prize and celebrates NSW-based screen practitioners whose work demonstrates innovation, imagination and impact.
Celebrating stories from Western Sydney
Born and raised in Parramatta to Lebanese migrant parents, Abboud has spent more than two decades working across the Australian screen industry. Her directing credits include Five Bedrooms, Here Out West, House of Gods and Four Years Later, with much of her work championing underrepresented voices and communities.
Screen NSW Executive Director Kylie Munnich said Abboud’s work had helped broaden the stories being told on Australian screens.
“Screen NSW is pleased to present the 2026 Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award to Fadia Abboud, recognising her trailblazing work across an exciting mix of Australian film and television.
Across her career, Fadia has worked on projects that champion the diverse communities of Western Sydney, and communities right across Australia, reflecting the lives of many people who might not often see themselves on screen. Her work spotlights outstanding voices and stories, and I’m sure she will continue to inspire the next generation of filmmakers for many years to come.”
A career built on community and representation
Accepting the award, Abboud reflected on her journey from aspiring filmmaker in Western Sydney to an established television director.
“I am deeply honoured to accept this award, thank you Screen NSW and UNESCO.
It took a while to go from being a Lebanese girl in Parramatta making short films to directing television and film. I want to thank all the producers and directors who opened the doors I was knocking on and pulled me into this world and let me hang around their sets to watch and learn, and sometimes play. Without these kinds of attachments, I wouldn’t have advanced my career.
It’s incredibly encouraging to be recognised for the work I’ve done so far, especially because I still feel like I have a long way to go. I do love storytelling because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate the communities, cultures and voices that shaped me, and I’m grateful that I get to do that for a living.”
Abboud began her career facilitating video workshops within Western Sydney communities and later served as Director of the Arab Film Festival Australia for a decade. Early support from Screen NSW helped her produce the documentary I Remember 1948, while her independent queer Arab web series I Luv U But went on to secure Screen Australia backing for a second season.
Her subsequent television work has included Australian Gangster, Les Norton, Five Bedrooms, After The Verdict, Barons and Year Of, while House of Gods earned international recognition at Series Mania 2024. Abboud has also received Australian Directors’ Guild Award nominations for her work on House of Gods and Five Bedrooms.
Previous recipients of the Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award include Libby Villa and Wayne Pashley, Debbie Lee, Chris Godfrey, Caitlin Yeo, Karina Holden, Blackfella Films, Warwick Thornton, Leah Purcell and Lynette Wallworth.
Media Release – Screen Australia
Link to Screen NSW HERE
TV Central Screen Australia content HERE
Western Sydney filmmaker Fadia Abboud honoured with 2026 Sydney UNESCO City of Film Award
