Jack Christian steps down as AACTA/AFI board chair

Jack Christian has resigned as the board chair of the Australian Film Institute (AFI) and the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The departure occurs as the organization undergoes a restructure and searches for a new general manager.

The leadership change follows a public dispute with director George Miller, a longtime AFI patron. Miller has previously called for an extraordinary general meeting, alleging a lack of transparency regarding the organization's restructure and the removal of former CEO Damian Trewhella. The board has characterized Miller's actions as “constant disparagement” and noted his threats of litigation, which the board claims are intended to reverse recent organizational changes.

In a communication to members, the board acknowledged that past management practices and financial oversight “were lacking.” To address these issues, the organization has commissioned an operations manager to review business areas and establish new budgets aimed at achieving significant savings. Additionally, the board announced it expects to reveal a “significant broadcast deal” in the coming weeks that is intended to support the Awards through 2030.