Australian Cinema > oncers

Australasian feature films with directors who have directed only this one

100 Bloody Acres (Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes, 2012) first feature as director for both Cairneses

13th Floor, The (Chris Roache, 1988) wr. Chris Roache—whose other work has been in TV, for which he's written many scripts

2 Door Mansion (David Rechtman, 2007) aka Two Door Mansion

2:37 (Murali K. Thalluri, 2006) wr. Murali K. Thalluri

34th Battalion, The (Luke Sparke, 2013) Luke Sparke often works in wardrobe, with a specialism in military costumes; this will be his first feature as director

48 Shades (Daniel Lapaine, 2006) Daniel Lapaine is also an actor: it was his character who wedded Muriel

$9.99 (Tatia Rosenthal, 2008) Tatia Rosenthal was born in Israel; now works as an animator in New York

Acting Out (Danny Merton, 2007) Lara Cox, Sam Atwell; 80 min.

Action Replay (Sara Hourez, 1989) wr. Fay Weldon from her play

Alison's Birthday (Ian Coughlan, 1979) Ian Coughlan is a writer who has also directed for TV

All Men Are Liars (Gerard Lee, 1994) Gerard Lee has directed this one feature film; he is better known as a writer, particularly in his work with Jane Campion

Alvin Rides Again (David Bilcock [& Robin Copping], 1974) wr. Alan Hopgood, Tim Burstall, Alan Finney; David Bilcock has also worked as an editor

Annie's Coming Out (Gil Brealey, 1984) Gil Brealey is best known as a producer, but has also directed this feature

Apostasy (Zbigniew Friedrich, 1979) Zbigniew Friedrich is an editor and cinematographer who has directed this one feature

Arigato Baby (Greg Lynch, 1990) wr. A.J. Klitz; Lynch may have directed another film called Chinatown Lady, which may have been released in 1991, as it has a page in IMDb.

Ascendant (Antaine Furlong, 2021) wr. Antaine Furlong, Kieron Holland; Charlotte Best, Jonny Pasvolsky, Karelina Clark; sci, thriller; girl stuck in lift/elevator; scored 3.5 on IMDb.com

Aussie Park Boyz (Nunzio La Bianca, 2004) wr. Nunzio La Bianca, who has now made a sequel called Aussie Park Boyz: The Next Chapter; he has also been seen as an actor in The Bouncer

Backyard Ashes (Mark Grentell, 2013) wr. Peter Cox, Mark Grentell; only feature directed by Grentell, and Cox's only credit as co-writer (with him)

Bad Behaviour (Joseph Stephen Sims, 2010)

Beautiful Kate (Rachel Ward, 2009) wr. Rachel Ward, Newton Thornburg, novel; Rachel Ward has directed shorts, TV; is best known as an actor; Rachel Ward has now released a second feature film (telemovie), An Accidental Soldier (2013) and a documentary (2023) called Rachel's Farm

Bet, The (Mark Lee, 2006) wr. Caroline Gerard; Mark Lee is well-known as an actor

Big Mamma's Boy (Franco di Chiera, 2011) Franco di Chiera has directed a considerable number of docos for TV, and this one feature film

Black Water (David Nerlich, Andrew Traucki, 2007) Traucki has directed more, but this is Nerlich's only feature to date

Blackrock (Steven Vidler, 1997) wr. Nick Enright; Steven Vidler is well-known as an actor

Blame (Michael Henry, 2010)

Bodyjackers (Michael Ralph, 2001)

Bondi Tsunami (Rachael Lucas, 2004)

Bootmen (Dein Perry, 2000) Dein Perry is best known as a dancer and choreographer

Bosch and Rockit (Tyler Atkins, 2022) wr. Tyler Atkins; Rasmus King, Luke Hemsworth, Isabel Lucas, Leeanna Walsman, Savannah La Rain; release 18 August

Bra Boys (Sunny Abberton, 2007)

Breath (Simon Baker, 2017)

Breathing Under Water (Susan Murphy Dermody, 1992) wr. Susan Murphy Dermody; perhaps better known as the Susan Dermody of Dermody & Jacka, she has directed this one feature, as Susan Murphy Dermody; her daughter Maeve Dermody is in this turkey

Bungala Boys (Jim Jeffrey, 1961)

Centrespread (Tony Paterson, 1981) Tony Paterson is best known as an editor

Chopper (Andrew Dominik, 2000) Andrew Dominik directed only this one Australian feature and since then several in the USA

Codgers (Wayne Harrison, Grant Dodwell, 2011) Grant Dodwell is an actor; this is Wayne Harrison's only film

Combination, The (David Field, 2009) David Field is well-known as an actor, but this is his only shot at direction to date; update: there is more

Convict (George Basha, 2014) George Basha is an actor and this is his first film as director - update, but not his last ...

Coming of Age (Brian Jones, 1986)

Crawl (Paul China, 2011)

Crawlspace (Justin Dix, 2012) wr. Justin Dix, who more often works in specials effects; he is, however, now reportedly working on a second feature, Declassified (2014)

Cure, The (David Gould, 2014) wr. David Gould; Gould's NZ feature debut after making the short films Awaken, The Seed and Inseparable Coil in Australia

The Custodian (John Dingwall, 1991) John Dingwall actually directed two films - the other is Phobia (1988) - but because he's so much better known as a writer (especially of Sunday Too Far Away, 1975) he's included here

Dawn of the DMFs (Chris Summers, 1992) horror; no cinema release

Day Neil Armstrong Walked on the Moon, The (Michael J. Rivette, 1999)

Dead End (Iren Koster, 1998)

Dead Heart (Nicholas Parsons, 1996) wr. Nicholas Parsons, who is also a playwright and publisher (Currency Press)

Deadly Chase (Duncan McLachlan, 1992) thriller

Deck Dogz (Steve Pasvolsky, 2004)

de Vils' tas Mania (Diana Nettlefold, 1992) aka DeVils' tasMania, DeVil's Tasmania, Three Cornered Island

Dust off the Wings (Lee Rogers, 1997) surfing

Early Frost (1981) wr. Terry O'Connor, prod. David Hannay, Geoffrey Brown; one of only two Australian feature films that I know of without a director credit (the other is Money Shot [originally The Venus Factory] but I'm not sure if it is regarded as having been released)

Eloise (Brenden Dannaher, 2002) Melanie Holt, Mark Jensen, PJ Parker; dramarom

Emma's War (Clytie Jessop, 1988) prod. Andrina Finlay, Clytie Jessop for Belinon, wr. Clytie Jessop; was an actress in the 1960s, including a part in The Innocents (Jack Clayton, 1961)

Enemies Closer (Steven Aldridge, 2001) Ryan Moloney, Kristy Wright, Jason Crewes; thriller; 90 min.

Eureka Stockade (George & Arthur Cornwell, 1907)

Face at the Window, The (Charles Villiers, 1919) Charles Villiers was an actor who appeared in nearly forty films in leading roles, often as the villain; as well as this film he co-directed Possum Paddock with Kate Howarde who had written and directed the play

Faceless Man, The (James Di Martino, 2019) wr. James Di Martino, prod. Lucinda Burce, James Di Martino, Rhys Sherring, dp Rhys Sherring; horror

Feeling Sexy (Davida Allen, 1999) wr. Davida Allen, who is better known as a painter

Fell (Kasimir Burgess, 2014)

Final Winter, The (Brian Andrews, Jane Forrest, 2007) - two for one

Fistful of Flies (Monica Pellizzari, 1996) Dina Panozzo, John Lucantonio, Tasma Walton, Maria Vanuti, Anna Volska, Rachael Maza; 85 min.

Four of a Kind (Fiona Cochrane, 2008) Fiona Cochrane is a producer, and a maker of documentary films, and has directed this one feature, based on a stage play

Gabriel (Shane Abbess, 2007)

Galore (Rhys Graham, 2013) wr. Rhys Graham

Ghost Ship (Steve Beck, 2002) horror

Gone (Ringan Ledwidge, 2007) Ringan Ledwidge directed MTV

Guru Wayne (Letitia McQuade, 2002)

Hail (Amiel Courtin-Wilson, 2011) Amiel Courtin-Wilson has since made Ruin, 2013, with Michael Cody

Hard Word, The (Scott Roberts, 2002) more a writer? American?

Harvest Gold (Kevin Murphy, 1945) Murphy was a technician and pioneer in sound recording; the production company for this film was his company Supreme Sound System

Her Majesty (Mark J. Gordon, 2001) NZ

Holidays on the River Yarra (Leo Berkeley, 1990)

Hostage to Fate (Angelo Salamanca, 2001) crime

Hotel de Love (Craig Rosenberg, 1996) wr. Craig Rosenberg, born 1965, studied law, writing Hollywood screenplays 1992-2005

How Willingly You Sing (Gary Patterson, 1975) wr. prod. Gary Patterson for Inch Films, Gary Patterson

I Can't Get Started (Rodney Fisher, 1985)

I Love You Too (Daina Reid, 2010) usually directs TV

Iced Lolly (Stephan Kern, Seumas Next, 2003)

In My Father's Den (Brad McGann, 2004) Brad McGann's only feature before he died of cancer aged 43 (1964-2007)

In the Red (Glenn Ruehland, 1999) aka Red Lined; stuntman

Intermezzo (Jasna Krsmanovic, 1999) wr. prod. Jasna Krsmanovic, dp Bonnie Elliott; Johan Earl (Simon), Jasna Krsmanovic (Director); IMDb score: 3.8 from 85 votes

Just Out Of Reach (Linda Blagg, 1979) aka Portrait of a Diarist

Justice (Ron Elliott, 1997) Ron Elliott is a writer

Kabbarli (Andrew G. Taylor, 2002)

Kenny (Clayton Jacobson, 2006) wr. Clayton Jacobson, Shane Jacobson; Clayton Jacobson has directed shorts and for TV, but this is his only feature to date

Kick (Lynda Heys, 1999)

Kid Stakes, The (Tal Ordell, 1927) Tal Ordell is perhaps best known as an actor, for his characterisation of Dave in On Our Selection films, but he also directed this one, very enjoyable film, in which he also appears as a madcap commentator

Lake Mungo (Joel Anderson, 2008) wr. Joel Anderson

Land Has Eyes, The (Vilsoni Hereniko, 2004) aka Pear ta ma 'on maf; from Rotuma, Vilsoni Hereniko is now lecturing in Hawai'i

Little Death, The (Josh Lawson, shooting 2013) wr. Josh Lawson; Lawson is an actor now writing/directing his first feature

Little Sparrows (Yu-Hsiu Camille Chen, 2010) wr. Yu-Hsiu Camille Chen

Lost and Found (David Blake, 2006)

Lizzi (Stephen Huthnance, 2007) aka Lizzi and Johnny; features a 1968 Mustang GT called Lizzi

Long Lunch, The (Antony Redman, 2003)

Love's Brother (Jan Sardi, 2004) wr. Jan Sardi, who is best known as a writer

Luigi's Ladies (Judy Morris, 1989) Judy Morris is best known as an actor

Magician, The (Scott Ryan, 2005)

Mallboy (Vincent Giarrusso, 2000)

Matchless (John Papadopoulos, 1974)

Me Myself I (Philippa Karmel, 1999)

More Things Change, The (Robyn Nevin, 1986) Robyn Nevin is well known as an actress, stage director, and arts administrator, and has directed this one feature film

Mule, The (Tony Mahony, Angus Sampson, 2014)

Naked Bunyip, The (John B. Murray, 1970) - and even this is seen as a doco

Ned (Abe Forsythe, 2003) Abe Forsythe is an actor (and son of actor Drew Forsythe) he is planning in 2013 to direct a black comedy set around the 2005 Cronulla riots in Sydney

Nickel Queen (John McCallum, 1971) John McCallum was a theatre producer as well as an actor, and husband of actress Googie Withers

Not Suitable for Children (Peter Templeman, 2012)

Nothing Like Experience (Peter Carmody, 1970) Peter Carmody has since appeared in many films as an actor; in this one, the only film he directed, there are no fewer than three other directors in the cast; 50 min.

Occasional Course Language (Brad Hayward, 1998)

Odds On (Arthur Higgins, 1928) Arthur Higgins Productions, wr. Arthur Higgins, dp Arthur Higgins; Arthur Higgins co-directed one other film, Fellers (1930); he is best known for his many films as a cinematographer

On Guard (Sarah Gibson & Susan Lambert, 1983) wrs Sarah Gibson, Susan Lambert, dp Laurie McInnes; Susan Lambert has directed one other film (Talk, 1994) but this is Sarah Gibson's only one

Once Were Warriors (Lee Tamahori, 1994) Lee Tamahori directed only this one feature in New Zealand before going to Hollywood; NZ

One Less God (Lliam Worthington, 2015) wr. Lliam Worthington, debut feature

One Perfect Day (Paul Currie, 2003) Paul Currie has also made docos. He is now working on 2:22.

Oyster Farmer (Anna Reeves, 2004) wr. Anna Reeves

Palm Beach (Albie Thoms, 1980) Albie Thoms' only feature film; notable for use of sound—tho he made many other films: experimental, docos and shorts

Patrick (Mark Hartley, 2013) Mark Hartley has directed many films, but this will be his first feature movie: he has made a large number of the type of 'featurettes' found as extras on DVDs, and also the significant full-length doco Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation!

Phobia (John Dingwall, 1988) John Dingwall actually directed two films - the other is The Custodian - but because he's so much better known as a writer he's included here

Picture This (John Fisk, 2003)

Playbook, The (Darran Scott, 2013) wr. Darran Scott; basketball drama

Private Collection (Keith Salvat, 1972)

Proof (Jocelyn Moorhouse, 1991) Jocelyn Moorhouse directed only this one Australian feature film, before going to the USA where she has to date directed another two features; she is now to direct The Dressmaker (Jocelyn Moorhouse, pre-production late 2013) in Australia

Powder Burn (Stephen Prime, 1999)

Rage in Placid Lake, The (Tony McNamara, 2003)

Red Planet (Antony Hoffman, 2000)

Red Sky At Morning (Hartney Arthur, 1944) aka Escape At Dawn

Refracting Glasses, The (David Perry, 1993) experimental

Rocket, The (Kim Mordaunt, 2013) Kim Mordaunt and his wife Sylvia Wilczynski have made only this one fictional feature, tho they have also made the feature doco Bomb Harvest (2007)

Roll (Martin Wilson, 2004) telemovie, WA

Roly Poly Man, The (Bill Young, 1994)

Romulus My Father (Richard Roxburgh, 2007) Richard Roxburgh is a well-known actor

Rooster, The (Mark Leonard Winter, tba) wr. Mark Leonard Winter; Hugo Weaving; Mark Winter is an actor getting started in direction

Ruben Guthrie (Brendan Cowell, 2015) Brendan Cowell is well known as an actor; this is his first film as director

Running on Empty (John Clark, 1982) wr. Barry Tomblin; there are three John Clarks in Oz cinema archives; this one is not John Clarke the writer from NZ, and has worked more in theatre than film; the third John Clark solves the murder in Kiss or Kill

Sample People (Clinton Smith, 2000)

Samson and Delilah (Warwick Thornton, 2009) wr. Warwick Thornton

Sapphires, The (Wayne Blair, 2011)

Satellite Boy (Catriona McKenzie, 2012) wr. Catriona McKenzie, who has directed a great deal for TV

Saturday Night (James Balian, 1999)

Serenades (Mojgan Khadem, 2001) Mojgan Khadem finds steady work as a scriptgirl, i.e. in continuity

Shame (Steve Jodrell, 1988) Steve Jodrell has done a great deal of TV work, and directed this one feature and the telemovie Tudawali (1987)

Silver City (Sophia Turkiewicz, 1984) Sophia Turkiewicz's work since has been in TV

Sleeping Beauty (Julia Leigh, 2011) Julia Leigh is a novelist: she wrote the book on which The Hunter (Daniel Nettheim, 2011) was based

Soft Fruit (Christina Andreef, 1999)

Son of a Gun (Julius Avery, 2014) West Australian Julius Avery directed many shorts before this first feature

Sound of One Hand Clapping, The (Richard Flanagan, 1998) wr. Richard Flanagan from his own novel: he is a writer, but Rolf de Heer, who produced this, persuaded him to direct

Square, The (Nash Edgerton, 2008) Nash Edgerton may have directed only one feature film, but he has must be one of the busiest people in Australian cinema as a producer, editor and, particularly, stuntman

Squatter's Daughter, The (Bert Bailey, 1910) from the play by Bert Bailey & Edmund Duggan

Stiff (John Clarke, 2004) telemovie, wr. John Clarke, novel by Shane Maloney; prod. Huntaway Films (Sam Neill, John Clarke, Jay Cassells) better known as an actor (comedian, writer) John Clarke has so far directed just the one telemovie

Sting in the Tail, A (Eugene Schlusser, 1989) Eugen Schlüsser has also directed for TV and worked as an actor

Stockade (Hans Pomeranz, Ross McGregor, 1971) prod. Hans Pomeranz; only feature for both directors

Stone (Sandy Harbutt, 1974) wr. Sandy Harbutt, who also produced and starred in this, but never worked on another film

Stone Bros. (Richard Frankland, 2009)

The Story of the Kelly Gang (Charles Tait, 1906) If you were to direct only the one film, it might as well be the world's first feature film!

Strangerland (Kim Farrant, 2015) wr. Fiona Seres

Summer City (Christopher Fraser, 1977)

Sweethearts (Colin Talbot, 1990) wr. Colin Talbot from his novel

Tanna (Martin Butler, Bentley Dean, 2015) wr. Martin Butler, John Collee, Bentley Dean, dp Bentley Dean

Tender Hooks (Mary Callaghan, 1989)

That's Not Me (Gregory Erdstein, 2017) wr. Gregory Erdstein, Alice Foulcher, prod. Sally Storey, dp Shelley Farthing-Dawe; Alice Foulcher, Isabel Lucas, Richard Davies; comedy; Santa Barbara FF

They Found a Cave (Andrew Steane, 1962)

Till There Was You (John Seale, 1990) dp Geoffrey Simpson; John Seale is an Academy Award winning cinematographer

Tim (Michael Pate, 1979) Michael Pate had a significant career as an actor; his son is also in the biz, starring in The Mango Tree (Kevin James Dobson, 1977)

Under the Lighthouse Dancing (Graeme Rattigan, 1996) wr. David Giles & Graeme Rattigan, who is a lawyer

Wannabes, The* (Nick Giannopoulos, 2003) Nick Giannopoulos is prolly best known as an actor

Wedding Party, The (Amanda Jane, 2010)

Warming Up (Bruce Best, 1985) Queenie Ashton, Adam Fernance, Kim Grogan, Lloyd Morris, Barbara Stephens, Henri Szeps; comedy: country football team learns ballet

Willfull (Rebel Penfold-Russell, 2002) Rebel Penfold-Russell also makes docos

Yackety Yak (Dave Jones, 1974) wr. prod. Dave Jones; Dave Jones is an American who was here briefly to teach at La Trobe; this is his only feature anywhere

Yakka Oy (Bradley Diebert, 2003)

Yolngu Boy (Stephen Johnson, 2001) wr. Chris Anastassiades; Stephen Johnson has also done TV work

You Can't Push the River (Leslie Oliver, 1992) wr. Leslie Oliver, John Reddin

You Can't Stop the Murders (Anthony Mir, 2003) wr. Gary Eck, Anthony Mir, Akmal Saleh


Garry Gillard | New: 20 June, 2011 | Now: 11 February, 2023