International filmmaker and educator Maia Holniak joined Australian Film and Television and Radio School (AFTRS) as director of teaching and learning.
She comes to Prague City University School and is a program leader and senior lecturer, co-led to the development and validation of BA (Hons) creative media production degrees in partnership with Teesside University.
In her role as Director of Curriculum Development, she oversaw academic governance, industry-based course design and regulatory alignment. Horniak also holds lecture roles at AFTRS, NIDA and UNSW COFA. Outside of education, she directs short films, documentaries, television, commercials, digital content, music videos, and has also held commercial director roles for MTV, GoalPost Pictures, ABC and Universal.
Her work has been screened at more than 30 revered international film festivals, including Cannes, Palm Springs, Bermuda, Brooklyn, Sydney, Flickerfest, Brussels and Edmonton.
Hornia, who begins this week with AFTRS, said she is honoured to take on her new role at such a pivotal time.
“As a centre of excellence, AFTRS leads creativity, industry connections and innovation,” she said.
“I am committed to strengthening these values and I am committed to further strengthening the pathways for future students into the industry, ensuring industry relevance, inclusiveness and long-term sustainability in creative careers, and maintaining AFTR at the forefront of global screen and audio education.”
Dr. Nell Greenwood, CEO of AFTRS, said AFTRS alumnus Horniak has brought about a dynamic combination of industry insights and academic leadership shaped by his work with leading educational institutions and media organizations.
“Maia is globally experienced, value-driven, and deeply committed to promoting an inclusive and exciting learning environment,” she said.
“Maia’s production experience spans film, broadcast, digital platforms and branded content, giving her a unique and nuanced understanding of industry expectations and emerging media that will endure her in a superior alternative to help her incite and lead industry collaborations that are essential to her approach at AFTRS.”
