“ You are a unique, intentionally created, treasured human being. Thoughtfully designed, and deeply loved by Jesus. That is the most important message anyone can hear. ”
— Kirsty Cameron
The Interview Q&A
Where are you primarily based out of?
Ōtautahi, New Zealand
What role do you typically play on set?
Director/Cinematographer/Editor
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
My love of filming started as a wee dot when my father bought a handicam, I would always grab it and make my friends act out stories I had written, or commercials. In my 20's my parents bought me my first camera, a GoPro. I would create home movies of our summers together, and even started my first videography business shooting maternity, family and newborn videos - WITH A GOPRO. I then studied a Bachelor of Design for 3 years, before launching AppleBox in 2021.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered and how have you overcome them?
My brain is the biggest challenge I continually have to overcome. I am very fortunate to live in a country and be part of a community where women creatives are upheld, championed and encouraged. However, it is my mind, the continual comparison game, the self doubt, the negative thoughts that I have to choose to overcome, every day.
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
I am deeply inspired by female directors from my country such as Niki Caro, Jane Campion. I was an extra at 11 years old in a film called Snakeskin directed by Gillian Ashurst. It was a real treat to meet her again at a filmmaking workshop recently. These women have taught me to embrace my womanhood on set, the attributes I bring that set me apart. My compassion, my empathy, my gentleness, my strength.
What does it mean to you to be an inspiration/mentor to someone else?
Everyone needs someone in their corner, to cheer them on, to believe in them, to believe in their biggest, wildest, most insane dreams. To be that person for other filmmakers is such an honour. It can feel scary, being filled with big ideas, especially if you feel you don't have the skills to make them come to life. Comparison is the thief of joy - I believe all creatives, no matter what level, need to turn around and extend a hand to those coming up. Community over competition is my biggest business motto.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My faith in Jesus Christ plays an enormous part in my creativity. I believe He designed this incredible world for us, to be explored, to be enjoyed, marvelled at, captured and shared. His love for humans is what drives me to understand the people around me, to hear their stories, to represent them well. I draw my inspiration from Him, and the beauty I see all around me. I am fascinated by humans, we are such complex creatures, full of sorrows and joys, and we all have a story to tell. We all have a voice and deserve to be heard.
If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?
You are a unique, intentionally created, treasured human being. Thoughtfully designed, and deeply loved by Jesus. That is the most important message anyone can hear.
What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
In 2020, during the pandemic, I was completing my final project for my studies. What started out as a short 5 minute doco on breast cancer, turned into a feature length project with numerous interviewees - Though I Walk was born! I held a premiere in which over 150 people attended, and raised money for our national breast cancer charity. A New Zealand network got wind of the documentary and picked it up, despite the terrible audio, the shocking camera work. It is still running on TV here in NZ and in Australia to this day! My second documentary will follow suit.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
I have BIG BIG BIG dreams that scare me sometimes, because I have no idea how I am going to achieve them. I want to be a well known director in New Zealand and across the world. I want to be known for creating stories that impact lives, and bring hope to people.
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
JUST START! Start scared, start broke, start confused and "uneducated" in the things of film. Just start creating. With your friends, with your family. Knock on every single door possible and be bold. Keep asking yourself, "Why not me?". Not with a negative voice, but a determined, powerful, positive voice. Why not you! Those people you look up to are just people after all, why not you too? You can, and you will. Just start.
What kind of projects are you currently working on that you can share? (Feel free to leave links to the projects to view)
I am currently editing my second documentary, called The Garden Room. I follow a New Zealand family who lost their baby boy, full term, still born. Several months later they found they are pregnant again. It is a heartbreaking and wonderful story of hope. You can stay up to date on the project by following on socials @thegardenroommovie - set to release 2023
What does being a part of The Women in Film Project mean to you?
Having a safe space to be encouraged, to encourage others, share and inspire is such a blessing. I am proud to be associated with a movement of women dedicated to seeing others succeed. With a history of being known for cattiness, jealously, and revenge, us women need to fight that false narrative and show the world how supportive we can be!