After nearly two decades at the helm of one of Australia’s most recognisable independent production companies, Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford are winding down Aquarius Films.
The duo, who co-founded the company in 2007, confirmed they will pursue individual creative projects while continuing to jointly manage a small number of shows already in development.
A legacy of ambitious storytelling
Aquarius Films built its reputation on bold, often female-driven stories that resonated with audiences worldwide. The company’s slate includes five feature films and eight television series, totalling around 50 hours of content made for major players such as Netflix, Foxtel, Stan, ABC, SBS, Hulu, and Warner Bros.
Highlights include the Academy Award-nominated Lion, Sundance premieres Wish You Were Here and Berlin Syndrome, and acclaimed television series Love Me, Savage River, The Unlisted and, most recently, Mix Tape.
The company remained one of the few wholly independent production outfits in Australia, balancing commercial success with critical recognition. Its work earned Aquarius honours such as the NSW Creative Laureate and Screen Producers Australia’s Business Export of the Year.
Farewell from the founders
Fielder reflected on the journey from small beginnings to global success. “I am beyond proud of everything that Polly and I have achieved with Aquarius Films over the past 18 years. From humble beginnings producing short films from our kitchen tables, it has been a joy to build the business alongside such a brilliant friend and colleague,” she said.
“We have been fortunate to work with so many incredible creatives, staff and partners along the way – I will be forever grateful for these collaborations. This is an exciting transition for Polly and I, and I’m thrilled for what this next chapter has in store for each of us.”
Staniford described the move as bittersweet. “Aquarius Films has been our creative home for nearly two decades, and while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, we’re both feeling a strong call to explore new directions,” she said.
“I want to thank the brilliant writers, directors, cast, crew, funding partners, and collaborators who’ve been part of this incredible journey. Aquarius would never have been what it was without all of you. And I’m so grateful to Angie for an incredible 18-year collaboration – this is a celebration of everything we’ve built – and a powerful new beginning.”
From short films to global stages
Aquarius began with short films, including David Michôd’s Crossbow and Netherland Dwarf, before moving into features and television. All five of its films premiered at major international festivals such as Sundance, Toronto, and Berlin.
The company’s breakout came with Lion, co-produced with See-Saw Films, which grossed $130 million globally, earned six Academy Award nominations, and won 12 AACTA Awards including Best Film.
Other credits include Cate Shortland’s Berlin Syndrome, the Tim Winton adaptation Dirt Music, and the ABC drama Savage River. On television, its projects range from Matt Okine’s The Other Guy to the international hit The Unusual Suspects.
Looking ahead
While Aquarius Films will formally close, Fielder and Staniford will retain and manage the rights to the company’s catalogue. They will also continue to work together on select projects still in development, while pursuing new opportunities individually.