Justin Kurzel

Justin’s background as one of Australia’s best theatrical designers informs his strong visual storytelling as a director.

His VCA graduating short, Blue Tongue, was screened in over 13 international films festivals including International Critic’s Week at the Cannes Film Festival, New York Film Festival and won Best Short at Melbourne International Film Festival.

Justin’s first feature film Snowtown, produced by Warp Films Australia premiered at Adelaide Film Festival in 2011, winning the Audience Award. Justin was awarded Best Director at the AACTA Awards. The film has been released in the US, UK and most European countries, screening in over 15 international festivals including Toronto in 2011 and International Critics Week in Cannes in 2012, being awarded Special Distinction of the President.

Justin also directs commercials and music videos. The Earth Hour campaign won a Titanium award at Cannes Lions in 2007 while his British Council spot won bronze the same year. His music video for The Mess Hall single Pulse won Best Music Clip and Audience Award at St Kilda Film Festival and Keep Walking for the same band won Best Music Clip of the Year in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Justin adapted and directed Boner McPharlin’s Moll, which forms part of a feature film comprising the adaptations of all short stories in Tim Winton’s novel, The Turning. Warp Australia produced for Arenamedia. Justin recently completed the feature film Macbeth, produced by See Saw Films and starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. He is in pre production on Assassins Creed, producer New Regency and starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard.