Cathy Henkel and Francesca Hope appointed to IAGC

Screenwest is pleased to welcome Cathy Henkel and Francesca Hope to its Industry Advisory Group Committee from 28 August 2025.

Cathy Henkel has 35 years’ experience as a documentary producer/director and writer, with credits that include Laura’s Choice, The Burning Season and The Man who Stole my Mother’s Face. She was the recipient of the Stanley Hawes Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for her contribution to the documentary sector and is an Associate Professor and Course Coordinator for postgraduate screen production courses at the WA Screen and Media Academy at Edith Cowan University.

Francesca Hope is an experienced industry producer and practitioner who has run production company and post/vfx house, Siamese, for the past 20 years. Francesca’s work most recently includes the animation series Tales From Outer Suburbia (co-producer) and feature film 200% Wolf (co-producer).

Cathy Henkel said: “I am honoured to be invited to join the IAGC alongside highly respected industry colleagues and hope to make a useful contribution and serve as an accessible and valued link between the Board and the industry.”

Francesca Hope said: “As a representative on the IAGC, I’m looking forward to bringing real, on-the-ground industry experience to the table. I’m committed to advocating for the needs of our screen community, supporting the next wave of talent, and working together to build a more connected, sustainable, and resilient screen industry here in WA.” 

Screenwest Board Chair John Driscoll said: “On behalf of the Screenwest Board, I congratulate Cathy and Francesca on their appointments. They are both significant contributors to the Western Australian screen sector and will be strong additions to the committee and its work in advising the Screenwest Board on critical industry issues and opportunities. I’d like to thank outgoing committee members Grady Habib and David Vincent Smith who have each made a strong contribution over the past six years.” 

IAGC Chair Lien See Leong, Chair IAGC said: “We are excited to welcome Cathy and Francesca to the IAGC. Their passion for the screen sector and combined experience will help us to continue building the Western Australian screen industry.”  

About the IAGC    

The IAGC is a subcommittee of the Screenwest Board. It assists the Board to monitor and keep up to date with emerging issues and trends affecting the WA screen industry. It also serves as a vital link between the Board and the industry.  

Industry practitioners with issues to raise are encouraged to engage through their guild or association, or by contacting IAGC members directly.

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