Cathy Henkel

Associate Professor Cathy Henkel is the Director of the WA Screen Academy and Course Coordinator of the Master of Screen Studies at Edith Cowan University's School of Arts and Humanities. She holds a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (2011) and has over 30 years of experience as a documentary producer/director and writer. Her work focuses on cross-platform storytelling, with a emphasis on inspiring, global narratives. Henkel is founder of Virgo Productions and has produced award-winning films such as The Burning Season and Laura’s Choice, earning recognition like the Emmy nomination and WA Screen Culture Innovation Award.

Her research interests span autoethnography, cultural innovation in screen production, and equity in creative industries. Professional affiliations include Screenwest Diversity Leadership Group and CILECT's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee. She teaches courses like SCR6120 (Screen Project: Documentary) and leads research projects including the Workplace Integrated Learning Program (2022-2024).

Henkel’s creative outputs blend academic rigor with practical filmmaking, evident in publications like Teaching Documentary for the 21st Century (2024). Her work bridges theory and practice, fostering the next generation of screen professionals through the WA Screen Academy.