This project was created during the 2024 International Filmmaking Academy in its first year under the guidance of honorary president Ruben Ostlünd.The program takes place during Il Cinema Ritrovato, an annual pilgrimage for many filmmakers during which recently restored classics are premiered.

Seven selected directors, among others, were offered the opportunity to create a film in Bologna, Italy whilst undertaking daily masterclasses with auteur Andrey Zvyagintsev director of films Elena (2011), Leviathan (2014), Loveless (2017).

Tasked, with very limited means, to write, scout, cast, shoot and edit a film all basically within 7 days - this was a true test of experimentation, process and character.

Andrey was an assured teacher - distilled in his ethos of not only what it means to be a director, but how is it one can be taught by another to engage with the role. Is it possible? Or must it come from within.

This was my first time directing entirely in a foreign language that I do not speak. This provided interesting new perspectives and thoughts on the ways we physically communicate with one another.

Words and their natural tendency to distort truth were no longer at the forefront. 

So I played with body language to cut through the miscommunication of words. 
To cut through emotional distortion and reveal the meaning and power that can be offered and shared through silence.

Cameron Williams / Lene (Qantas Magazine)

The intention of this series was to explore the focus and care Cameron Williams embodies in the kitchen. To reveal and present his relationship to craft, to find moments where the connection between him and the food he prepares were palpable.

Lene is a casual restaurant & wine bar. Delivering high quality food in a fun and funky environment with young friendly staff and a gallery space showcasing some of Victoria’s best established and emerging artists.

LACERATE


20’

Teo In A Tree Films | Around The Moon Productions | London Film School

SYNOPSIS

Gloria, an aspiring painter, drives on an empty tank. Under her skin something bothers her. Hands steadfast at the wheel, refusing to fill up, she tempts fate. Colliding with unspoken grievances she must reframe herself amongst missing paintings.

CAST

ELOÏSE MIGNON
ROBYN NEVIN

CREW

Written and Directed by JAMES MENELAUS RUSH
Produced by MONIQUE FISHER, JAMES MENELAUS RUSH,
AARUSHI CHOWDHURY, PATRICK JAMES VERLIN
Director Of Photography CHARLES ALEXANDER
Edited by JAMES MENELAUS RUSH
Production Designer ANGELICA RUSH
Costume Designer ALICE WILSON

Down from next door’s paddock Will and Daniela screeched into my life. 

Like two searing fireballs, each rotating around the other. 

They reminded me of the relationship I had with my own sister at that age.

In this same, special place inundated by nature. 

It was lockdown. We were all together. 

I wanted to try and find a way for us to play, to connect and to remember.

So I began to explore my memories of childhood in the area.

Reflections deeply engrained with sentiments of two grandparents no longer present.

With sketches of words slowly forming an idea, I became aware of the fact that

recently their grandfather has passed too.

I explained to their father, Tony, my intentions. His last words being,

 good luck getting them on board.

Also.

They are leaving in 7 days.

We spent the coming days just exploring and sharing stories, memories.

I showed them hidden streams and secret hideaways from my own childhood in the area. 

We began to find a communal wavelength, one we could all move forward on together.

I didn’t want either of them to ever feel overburdened by anything the

film was quietly traversing. I knew it was already in them and that it

would be more a matter of directing their physical energies as

opposed to trying to force out any understanding or thoughts of

things. Finding ways to keep the journey fruitful and engaging, things like

archery competitions and treasure hunts, allowed for a depth in

seriousness when it was called upon. They were naturals in every sense of the word.

Them having never acted and me having never directed children - we all found ourselves in playfully uncharted territory. 

Featuring a crew of just 4, the majority being family members, the team dived in headfirst to this incredibly organic process and experience.

 In taking these steps into the unknown with Will and Lely the project offered an opportunity 

for both myself and the children, each in our own ways, to explore 

to share emotions and sentiments dear to us about the processing of lost ones

  the benefits of honestly sharing and communicating grief with others

TADPOLES

12’43

Teo In A Tree Films

Troubled by a newfound concept of death, and his frustrating sister, an 8 year old boy begins to feel very small and alone. As his understanding of life grows so too does their sibling bond.

CAST

Will Cooke
Daniela Cooke

CREW

Written and Directed by JAMES MENELAUS RUSH
Cinematography CHARLES ALEXANDER
Production Design ANGELICA RUSH
Costume ALICE WILSON
Sound Recordists MIG ARTUGUE + JAN WONG
Sound Design + MIX KARL FEE