I'm a writer-director, a visual storyteller. My film 'This Perfect Day' is screening as part of Flickerfest 2020.
Why do you do it?
I couldn't do anything else! It's a culmination of all the arts that I'm not good enough to excel at in in their own right — literature, photography, music, sound art. It's more poetic and accessible and subversive than anthropology. Through it I achieve communion with strangers, and perhaps one day the world at large. I believe moving image storytelling is the most effective way to expand empathy.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I love the cultural diversity you find in Melbourne — the music scene has produced artists like the extraordinary Kaiit who I've had the privilege of working with, and I'm constantly inspired by my filmmaker and other artistic friends here. I love that it's very public transport friendly, which not only is a boon for environmental reasons, but to me has always been indicative of a city that is more accessible and empathetic and culturally vibrant. And, of course, the coffee and the food!
What's your favourite item of clothing?
I have a woven purple vintage jacket that I bought on eBay in 2008 — maybe my first eBay purchase, when I had a brief stint buying eBay! That and another $30 faux fur coat I bought off a rack in Bushwick, Brooklyn in the same era.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? (If you've got kids, what's your favourite show to watch with them?)
Probably 'Charmed' and 'Buffy'. Witches and vampires, doesn't get much better!
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Pompeii in '79.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
If you wanted meat, my aunt's sweet & sour ribs. If you're vegan, a vegan mapo tofu and shredded potato with chilli.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Frequently take the time to reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and why you want to go there. What are the values you want inscribed on your epitaph when you're gone?
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
I can lick my elbow.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
Someone once said that a work/life balance implies a compromise, that you have to take resources from one to give to the other. I'd like to work towards a 'flywheel' — the idea that the more invigorated I am by my work, the more energy I will have for my life (e.g. family and friends).
How do you define success?
Being able to continuously, sustainably make work that affects as many people as possible, that I am also proud of creatively. This is a very personal definition of success that would make me feel fulfilled. I acknowledge wholeheartedly that it's necessary for there to be many different notions of success — that's what makes the world a beautiful place.
What's your spirit animal?
A brumby!
