Producer turned director

Adele wins Best Live Action Short at Sydney Film Festival

Brisbane producer/director Grace Julia at Sydney Film Festival 2017

Before I began my path as a film director, I had the privilege of working in production, and one of my career highlights was producing Adele, a poignant short film that delves into the challenges faced by a 14-year-old African-Australian girl torn between her high school life and the traditional expectations imposed upon her at home. The narrative sheds light on the harrowing issue of child marriage within immigrant communities in Australia, aiming to foster awareness and dialogue around this critical subject.

Collaborating with a team of established Brisbane filmmakers including cinematographer Jason Hargreaves ACS and executive producer Mairi Cameron, I supported a fellow female director, Mirene, in her journey. Her dedication to directing performance allowed our young talent to authentically portray the protagonist's internal conflict and the cultural tensions she was forced to navigate, and lent a uniquely female perspective on a difficult subject. Our shared commitment as female filmmakers saw the short film selected for prestigious festivals in Australia and around the globe.

It when Adele won the Dendy Live Action Short Award at the Sydney Film Festival in 2017 that I first felt the urge to start directing my own work. By working so closely alongside not one but two impassioned female directors, my experience producing Adele reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to challenge our society and advocate for change. Producing this drama short film will remain a significant highlight of my career as it embodies the intersection of art and activism I so greatly value. Watch Adele on my Vimeo, and to see my own work as a director, please visit my portfolio.