Award-winning director, screenwriter, and cinematographer Warwick Thornton has joined Photoplay for representation in Australia and New Zealand. Known for his ability to create thought-provoking stories, Thornton’s work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the challenges First Nations people face.
A proud Kaytetye man born and raised in Alice Springs, Thornton found his voice as a filmmaker in his hometown. His storytelling talents allow him to write, direct, and shoot his own films, making him a versatile force in the industry. He is also known for discovering new talent and creating powerful drama.
One of Thornton’s most recent projects, The New Boy (2023), featuring Cate Blanchett and Aswan Reid, was premiered at the 2023 Cannes International Film Festival. The film received the Golden Frog for Best Feature Film at the 2023 EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival and won the Spotlight Award at the 38th American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Awards.
Thornton has also worked on impactful commercial campaigns, including Australia’s Yes23 campaign called You’re The Voice, featuring John Farnham, led by The Monkeys. He now looks forward to creating more commercial projects through Photoplay that allow him to share compelling stories.
Thornton expressed his excitement, saying, “Photoplay provides a great platform for me to tell my stories. I trust their supportive team and am excited to work with them.”
Throughout his career, Thornton has shown his adaptability in various genres. His television series include Firebite, an outback vampire hunting drama, and Mystery Road, an ABC series where he wrote, directed, and shot several episodes. His series The Beach offered an intimate view of one man’s journey of healing and reconnecting with the land, while his film essay We Don’t Need A Map challenged Australia’s national identity.
Thornton’s earlier works include the acclaimed Sweet Country (2017), a Western that won multiple awards, and Samson and Delilah (2009), his first feature drama which earned the prestigious Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. He has also worked as a director of photography on the hit musical The Sapphires (2012), further showcasing his range and skill in telling diverse Indigenous stories.
Photoplay’s executive producer Oliver Lawrance shared, “We are thrilled to have Warwick Thornton on board. His unique voice, combined with his talent as a writer, director, and cinematographer, will bring new creative opportunities for our industry collaborators.”
Thornton has been recognized for his contributions to film, including winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at Imaginative in Canada in 2015.
To view Warwick Thornton’s reel, click here.
