Paola Morabito

Paola Morabito is an award winning filmmaker whose unique approach to

storytelling involves a beautiful visual style potent in its portrayal of humanity.

Unafraid of dealing with culturally taboo themes, Paola’s films have a delicate

intimacy with a strong emotional hook that draw from her love of real life stories.

In 2001, Paola’s career took an important turn when she was invited to work as

Jane Campion’s assistant on her feature film In the Cut, shot in New York City.

This invaluable experience set Paola’s career as a film director in motion and in

2007, she graduated from Australian Film Television and Radio School with a

Masters in Film Directing completing two short films, My Sister & I and Bread.

Paola continues to work with Jane Campion and four years ago she directed

2nd Unit on ‘Bright Star’ shot in London. This project also saw her produce and

direct the documentary ‘Working With Jane’ – an entertaining portrait (which

aired on the ABC late 2009) that reveals Campion’s unique approach to film

through the making of her Oscar nominated feature Bright Star.

In pursuit of furthering her script writing skills, in 2008 Paola attended the Script

Development Program Binger Filmlab in Amsterdam where she developed a

feature film, Explosions Like Stars.

In 2010 Paola shot and directed the first Australian online documentary, a series

of short documentaries for SBS “Africa To Australia.” This series went on to win

numerous awards including Best Cultural and life style award at AIMIA awards

and nominated for 2011 Best Online Program at Banff World media awards.

2011 saw Paola write and direct Hair, a documentary commissioned by the

ABC and Screen Australia for the Anatomy Series produced by Matchbox

Pictures Tony Ayres and Michael McMahon (makers of The Slap). Hair aired in

March 2012, and is a story about a man’s brave shift of gender and identity

as he comes to terms with his natural femininity.

Also in 2011, Paola received funding for her 3rd short film I’m the One from

Screen NSW as part of the Emerging Filmmakers Fund.

I’m the One was selected for competition at the Venice International Film

Festival.

It tells the story of 16-year-old Wolfe’s overwhelming lust for his father’s girlfriend

that has him pursue her despite the forbidden nature of the relationship.

Paola also directs commercials and recently was awarded a Sliver for Direction

at Ad Fest, and a finalist at D&AD and Cannes 2011 for her commercial for

Guide Dogs Australia.

Currently Paola is developing her first feature film.