Grace Julia is a freelance film & TVC director in Brisbane, Australia
this is her video production blog.
Ethical storytelling through a disabled filmmaker's lens
As a disabled filmmaker living in Brisbane, it’s been inspiring to see a shift in the Australian landscape. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in disability representation in media, as well as more inclusive casting and crewing practices. However, the industry at large still has a long way to go. As both a documentary director and a person living with chronic illness, I was deeply disheartened to see the new Netflix series Afflicted, which exploits its subjects and makes complex medical issues into a spectacle. It’s my belief that believe a skilled documentarian can create entertaining factual content without sacrificing truth, authenticity or participants’ dignity.
Finding my voice
As a female film producer and director in a male-dominated industry, I’m committed to championing gender equity and respect on set in Brisbane. I choose to walk the walk, by actively creating safer sets, challenging outdated norms, and engaging allies. With a focus on inclusivity and accountability, I’m dedicated to fostering an environment where women in film and TV can thrive across all departments. The work we do now will shape the future of our industry for all.
It's giving Netflix for social media
Co-created with the brilliant Nikki Brown, Run Club is a 5-episode dark comedy series for Instagram Reels. Filmed in 2024, it’s a visually vibrant yet wickedly dark take on the ‘run club’ trend that’s been taking social media by storm. Set in the Brisbane suburbs I’ve called home, Run Club combines my love of comedy with a tongue-in-cheek critique of the Australian housing crisis. Check out a sneak peek on my personal Instagram.
The story behind a viral Instagram reel
Sun On My Back is a 30-second vertical art film created by Grace Julia, a female writer director. Shot on 16mm, this new Sydney film director redefines storytelling for social media audiences with bold, impactful work that subverts expectations. Produced by Sydney production company Motley Content, this reel received over 13k Instagram views.
Contrition premieres at Sydney festival
Emerging Australian female film producer Grace Julia wrote and directed Contrition is an experimental short film inspired by her mother’s boarding school experiences in the 1960s. Contrition was shot by award-winning cinematographer Kevin Khang and was selected as part of Sydney Underground Film Festival’s Shorts Program, which celebrates diverse Australian voices and films by female directors.
A creative short exploring transformation
Chrysalis, directed by Hungarian-Australian filmmaker Grace Julia, is a powerful two-minute exploration of transformation and resilience. Shot in Sydney, the film follows a woman, portrayed by Ebony Nave, reclaiming her strength after enduring narcissistic abuse. At the heart of every project Grace Julia directs is an empowering, female-led narrative, and Chrysalis is no exception. While it is a brief, experimental piece, Grace hopes its message will leave a lasting impression on viewers, inspiring them to embrace their own journeys of empowerment.
Fame, friendship and giving a duck
Sydney comedy director Grace Julia brings Let’s Get Ducking Famous, a six-episode series, to life with writer/producer Nikki Brown. The show follows Naomi (Maria Thattil) and Olivia (Jonti Ridley) as they navigate their rising social media fame and friendship, with their quirky pet duck, Steven, adding to the chaos.
The series offers a fresh, comedic take on the digital age, focusing on the bond of the female protagonists. The show marks the start of a bourgeoning relationship between Nikki Brown and Grace Julia as they embark on their journey as female comedy producers.
Confronting sensitive topics head on
Integrated Melbourne agency Icon and production company Visible Studios engaged Brisbane-based freelance director Grace Julia for The Stillbirth Promise, the third stage of their Still Six Lives campaign. Grace Julia, an experienced documentary director and field producer, approached the subjects with respect, sensitivity and curiosity, resulting in a series of videos that not only won multiple awards, but also improved awareness, education and support surrounding this important issue affecting Australian women.
A Brisbane director’s feminist manifesto
Grace Julia, a female film director based in Brisbane, directed Brutal, a fashion film for designer Georgia Wolff that highlights slow fashion principles. The film received a Silver ACS Award, screened at the La Jolla Fashion Film Festival and Melbourne Fashion Film Awards, and was praised by publications like Style Magazines and F Magazine. Featuring Perry Mooney, Brutal pairs striking visuals with powerful storytelling, showcasing Georgia Wolff's sustainable designs alongside Erica Gray’s art and Posy Jewels’ jewellery. This project solidified Grace Julia and Motley Content’s reputation for creating visually captivating, purposeful films championing female-led narratives.
Producer turned director
In 2016, I produced Adele, a short film exploring the struggles of a 14-year-old African-Australian girl torn between her high school life and her family’s traditional expectations. Adele received widespread acclaim, winning Best Live Action Short at the Sydney Film Festival in 2017 and earning Official Selections at Flickerfest and the St Kilda Film Festival that same year. As a female film producer, this project exemplified my passion for telling stories that amplify marginalised voices and address important social issues.
An award-winning Queensland producer turned freelance director, Grace Julia is an Australian female filmmaker on the rise. Grace is a director for commercials, campaigns, corporate videos and content, who collaborates with production companies and creative agencies on video productions in Sydney and all around Australia. She is currently based in Brisbane, where she recently wrote and directed a Screen Queensland supported comedy series for Instagram.