FESTIVAL PANELS
Monday 11 March
From Page to Screen
6:00PM AEDT | A&I HALL
Rolf de Heer and Deb Cox in conversation with Jessica Alice.
Book adaptations are increasingly popular in the screen industry, bringing with them strong characters, engaging plots and an existing audience. Acclaimed filmmaker Rolf de Heer has adapted a number of books among his oeuvre, including Luis Sepulveda's The Old Man Who Read Love Stories, in a film starring Richard Dreyfuss and Hugo Weaving. Writer and producer Deb Cox brought Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries to life in the drama series starring Essie Davis, based on Kerry Greenwood's detective novels. But what made these books stand out as ripe material for adaptation? Join these pillars of the screen industry for an exploration of the relationship between books and film.
Rolf de Heer is an acclaimed Australian filmmaker known for his bold, uncompromising storytelling and diverse body of work spanning over four decades. Renowned for films such as Ten Canoes (2006), Bad Boy Bubby (1993), and The Tracker (2002), his films have earned international recognition, including awards at Cannes, Venice, and the Berlinale. 
Deb Cox is a highly respected screenwriter and producer. As a co-founder of Every Cloud Productions, she has played a pivotal role in creating some of Australia’s most beloved series, including Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, and Seachange. 
The conversation will be moderated by Jessica Alice, Artistic Director of Byron Writers Festival.
Presented in collaboration with Byron Writers Festival.
Tuesday 11 March
Shooting Underwater: The Art of Underwater Photography
3:30PM | A&I HALL
Dive into the world of underwater photography with a panel of leading photographers and filmmakers.
From cinematic storytelling to conservation-driven imagery, these visual storytellers will reveal the artistry, technical challenges, and innovative techniques behind their work, and the challenges of filming beneath the waves to capture the ocean’s hidden wonders.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a professional, or a passionate ocean advocate, this conversation will take you beneath the surface with a panel of acclaimed photographers and filmmakers who have dedicated their careers to capturing the mysteries of the deep. 
Speakers:
Nays Baghai
Franck Gazzola
Julia Wheeler
Tom Parks
Moderator:
Ross Long
The Art of Documentary
6:30PM | A&I HALL
Join us for an engaging conversation with seasoned documentary filmmakers as they explore the creative and technical processes behind crafting compelling real-world narratives.
This panel will delve into the art of capturing truth through the lens, balancing storytelling with authenticity, and overcoming the unique challenges of documentary filmmaking. Our expert panelists will share their insights on how to transform evocative stories into powerful, thought-provoking films that resonate with audiences. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or simply a lover of documentaries, this discussion will offer valuable perspectives on the evolving art form and the impact it has on both society and cinema.
Speakers:
Molly Reynolds
Veronica Fury
Paul Wiegard
Eliza Cox
Moderator:
Lisa O’Meara (Screenworks)
Presented in collaboration with Screenworks.