Rory Banwell

Rory is an established, disabled, LGBT, freelance creative/all-rounder who has lived on unceeded Gumbaynggirr country (Coffs Harbour) for the past decade. She is an MEAA accredited journalist/photojournalist, and an AIPP accredited professional photographer, as well an award winning filmmaker. Rory completed a Bachelor of Digital Media & Communications (Journalism/Screen) in 2017 and received the Northern Star Prize for graduating first. Rory works in a variety of roles in film production happy taking on any of them! She prides herself on her flexibility and understanding of all elements of film production and is not precious about what role she may take on for any production, however, you will see her firmly in the directors' seat for any of her own productions. Rory currently (2021) undertakes a lot of work for private/corporate clients and individuals, in particular digital content, however, she has a passion for factual with several personal projects at different stages. She currently works alongside several production companies in Coffs Harbour and all over Australia on a regular basis. She also has extensive experience in theatre, beginning as an actor at age 5, graduating to directing musicals and plays. Her last production was a brand-new iteration of "Heathers: The Musical" in 2019 which she directed alongside Pete Skelton as Musical Director. She is currently working on a top-secret project adapting a well-known Australian book turned play, into a film. Rory is best known for her viral photography project 'Still Not Asking For It', but was also a finalist for SheDoc from the Documentary Australia Foundation in 2019, was shortlisted for AIDC "Cut to the Chase" 2020, has received scholarships from the Sundance Film Institute & Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, and Screenworks. Rory regularly speaks out about issues relating to sexual and domestic violence at events such as International Women's Day, #metoo debates, and at schools regarding healthy consent and relationships. If you would like any more information, or just want to have a chat, please don't hesitate to get in contact. Rory would love to know how she can help your production - whatever that may be!