We’re excited for the official launch of Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF), what can people of the Gold Coast expect to see from this year’s event?
The GCFF is a celebration of film and the art of filmmakers, so this year audiences can expect to see a wide variety of films from Australia and all over the world, plus hear from some pretty amazing filmmakers and any of our many Q&A sessions.

It’s such an incredible line-up of events, from premiers to panels and workshops, can you tell us about some of the highlights?
Wow – where to start! When we program the festival we have a rule – why is the film and/or event there? What does it bring to the festival that something else can’t? And this year, with close to 100 films and events, they all hold compelling reasons for being. That said, the role of women in film is something that is important to me and this year I am really proud to be able to deliver a program that pays tribute to women filmmakers specifically. Community is also important, so this year we have increased the number of free community screenings and created fun events around them for families to enjoy.

What do you personally consider to be this year’s must-see event?
Again, there are so many, and film is such a subjective form of art. For lovers of critically-acclaimed films, you can’t go past our opening night film – Clouds of Sils Maria, while sci-fi fans will love closing night’s Ex Machina. For me personally, I think everyone should see Frackman, because Coal Steam Gas mining is such a big issue in our country.

Let’s take a quick step back, how did it all begin for Gold Coast Film Festival?
The GCFF started back in 2002 as the Gold Coast Film Fantastic – a film festival that screened mainly sci-fi, fantasy and genre films. Over the years it changed to include sports and action films through to today – 14 years later – when we celebrate all types of film and the art of filmmaking.

What is your blue-sky dream for the festival?
I would love to see the GCFF become the film festival that Australian audiences can’t wait to attend and filmmakers aspire to be at!

Prior to taking the helm of Gold Coast Film Festival, you have worked on some pretty amazing films including the arthouse success, The Orator, the award-winning, Samson & Delilah, and the blockbuster, Paranormal Activity, do you have any favourites?
I’m not sure about a favourite because I loved working on them all, but some are definitely more memorable than others! Samson was an incredible ride because it started as a small film about a love story that took the amazing team all the way to Cannes. Paranormal Activity was fun because at the time, it was the scariest film ever made, and I don’t do scary very well! The Orator introduced me to a Samoan Culture that has existed for generations and still functions in today’s society while Margin Call was an intense look into the lives affected by the GFC. I have worked on 13 films and all of them have been a privilege!

What would you consider to be your career highlight so far?
I think Festival Director of the GCFF as I have met so many talented filmmakers and people passionate about the industry.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
No matter the event/meeting/conference or panel, if you take just one thing away from it, it has all been worth it.

How did you get involved in the film industry?
I had left my job as Marketing Director of Pay-TV’s Movie Network Channels after having my first child when a friend called me and asked me to work on the release of their new film, Romulus My Father, with Eric Bana – how could I say no!

What inspires you?
Nature and people!

What are your thoughts on the local creative scene at the moment?
The creative scene on the Gold Coast is definitely on the move, which is great. I think that maybe in the past, creatives were possibly working independently, so the scene was not so much of a collective thing. Over the past few year though, I have attended many forums and panels and can see the collective emerging to what will only be an incredible creative force within our city.

Any words to live by?
Do what you love, no matter how hard or challenging it may be.

How do you like to start your weekend?
At the moment? Working! Outside of the festival – I love to start the day with a fabulous breakfast at some amazing cafe or restaurant!

Are there any local filmmakers or creative people who have piqued your interest?
Being a relatively newbie to the Gold Coast, I am constantly meeting new people everyday, many who never cease to amaze and inspire me! Last week I met a Location Scout and his job sounds incredible (and incredibly complex), and recently I met a women who creates ‘greens’ for film sets – in other words, she creates all the forests and plant life we see in our films (think of the shire in Lord of The Rings) – who’d have thought such a job existed? I believe she is also handy with a brush cutter! That’s a pretty amazing job description.

Only a Gold Coast local would know … To find the best places, you need to sometimes stray from the well-known paths and discover what lies behind them.

FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up …  Clifford’s Grill & Lounge.
Relax …  By my pool with a book or a magazine.
Dine …  Breakfast at the Black Sheep Bistro Oxenford – the truffled eggs and mushrooms are incredible!
Indulge … A glass of wine and a great film!
Be inspired … In my garden, or at the Mount Tamborine Botanical Gardens.