5 Minutes
A farewell to a powerhouse of Australian independent cinema
In a move that signals the end of a distinct era in Australian independent production, Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford have announced they are winding down Aquarius Films after 18 years. The Academy Award�-nominated, AACTA-winning company leaves behind a compact but influential catalogue that spans acclaimed feature films and breakout television series. Rather than an abrupt shutdown, the pair plan a careful transition: they will continue to manage Aquarius' catalogue rights and shepherd select projects to completion while pursuing new, individual creative ventures.
From kitchen tables to international festivals
Founded in 2007, Aquarius Films grew from modest origins into a boutique production house known for championing female-led stories and nurturing emerging talent. Its credits include the Oscar-nominated Lion, Sundance premieres Wish You Were Here and Berlin Syndrome, and TV series such as Mix Tape, Love Me, Savage River and The Unlisted. The company�s recent Binge Original, Mix Tape, enjoyed a triumphant festival run — winning the Audience Award in the TV Spotlight category at SXSW — and topped UK streaming charts after its BBC Two and iPlayer premiere.
Behind the scenes and fan reception
Fans and critics have praised Aquarius projects for strong performances, intimate storytelling and often risk-taking perspectives. Lion�s global acclaim brought international attention to the company, while Mix Tape�s nostalgic soundtrack-driven storytelling connected with streaming audiences craving emotionally honest TV. Insider anecdotes recall early shoots run from home offices and kitchen-table edits — a reminder that many independent success stories start with resourceful creativity rather than big studios.
How Aquarius fits into the broader industry
The closure of Aquarius Films highlights wider trends in global film and television: consolidation at the distribution level, the pressures on small independents in a streaming-dominated marketplace, and an increased spotlight on diverse creatives. Compared to peer Australian outfits like See-Saw Films, which expanded into a larger global footprint, Aquarius chose to remain proudly independent, fostering auteur-driven projects and taking creative risks that larger companies sometimes avoid.
Comparisons and artistic legacy
Mix Tape shares tonal similarities with other music-forward series such as Ted Lasso and Derry Girls in how it pairs character growth with a memorable soundtrack, while Lion�s intimate family drama recalls films like Lionel Shriver�s real-world counterpart adaptations that prize emotional truth over spectacle. Aquarius�s catalogue demonstrates an appetite for both arthouse cinema and accessible, character-led television — a balancing act that has shaped contemporary Australian screen storytelling.
Expert perspective
Film critic Anna Kovacs comments: "Aquarius Films epitomised the creative independence that fuels original cinema and television. Their work consistently put directors and writers first, resulting in projects that felt personal, not programmed. The Australian screen landscape will miss a producer willing to back risky, female-led visions."
What comes next for Fielder and Staniford
Both founders have framed the decision as a deliberate, optimistic pivot. They will develop a small number of ongoing slate projects collaboratively, but intend to chase distinct creative paths individually. They also confirmed they will retain ownership and manage rights across the Aquarius catalogue — an important detail for festivals, distributors and streaming platforms that may continue to license or re-release these works globally.
Concluding thoughts
Aquarius Films leaves a legacy of bold storytelling and an enviable roster of titles that will continue to circulate across festivals, streaming services and arthouse cinemas. The company�s closure is less an ending than a reconfiguration: the stories it helped bring to life will continue to influence emerging Australian filmmakers, and the founders� next chapters will be worth watching. For international audiences who discovered Aquarius through Lion or Mix Tape, this moment is a reminder of how independent producers can shape cultural conversation — and how those producers evolve as the industry changes.
Source: deadline
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