Biography
Ian is a Melbourne-based writer, director, and producer with both national and international recognition. He began creating films in 1978 and completed his first feature, Plains of Heaven, in 1982. Throughout his career, he has written, directed, and/or produced nine feature films. His work has been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Cannes (Prisoner of St Petersburg in Un Certain Regard), Berlin (Celia and Wrong World, the latter winning a Silver Bear), and Toronto, among other leading international festivals where his films have received numerous awards. Romper Stomper, starring Russell Crowe, won six Australian Film Institute Awards in 1992, including Best Film. Ian’s films have enjoyed broad distribution across Europe and Australia. He spearheaded the initial Australia/France co-production (Isabelle Eberhardt) and Australia/Germany co-production (The Prisoner of St. Petersburg), both originally established under a memorandum of understanding. His latest feature, The Legend Maker, was screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival in 2014. As a filmmaker, Ian brings an international and historical viewpoint, advocating for Australia to embrace limitless storytelling, probing questions, and the pursuit of excellence. He has produced films in English, French, and German, filming on location in Australia, France, Germany, Bolivia, Tunisia, and the United States. Ian is extensively knowledgeable in history and current affairs, especially regarding Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
