Ruth is one of Australia’s most acclaimed documentary filmmakers.  Her most recent films include:  the television series About Men (Series Dir.) and the documentaries Painted Lady (Prod/Dir.), which explores the world of artist Vali Myers, and Becoming Julia – fast cars and a sex change (Prod/Dir.) which followed a macho Aussie farmer through his sex change into Julia.

Other recent directing work includes the television series High Steaks (Series Dir.) and Heat In The Kitchen (Series Dir.).  She is the producer of You Only Live Twice – the incredibly true story of the Hughes Family which will screen on the ABC in 2010.

Ruth’s films have screened all over the world including the prestigious IDFA (Amsterdam), Montreal, Los Angeles, Sydney & Melbourne, Film Festivals.  She is a board member of the Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG) and has worked as an industry consultant to Screen Australia, and as an Executive Producer in Arts, Entertainment and Comedy for the ABC.  She is currently the Head of Documentary at Australia’s premier film school The Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)

Selected Screen Credits

You Only Live Twice – the incredibly true story of the Hughes family – producer.

The ventriloquist, the spy, the jazzman and the showgirl. ABC Arts, 55 mins TX 2010.

About Men – series director

3 x 1 hours made for SBS television. Iris Pictures. TX 2009

High Steaks – series director

Series on master chef Neil Perry as he expands his food empire. Made for the lifestyle channel (UK). Producer Sonja Armstrong, Essential Viewing 2006

The 2 of Us, Libity & Elizabeth – director

A warm ab fab tale featuring an aging stripper and her observant daughter. Series based on the popular SMH column. SBS 30 mins, 2005 Exec. Prod. Michael Cordell

The 2 of Us, Suzanne & Moshem – director

Explores the co-dependant relationship between an impassioned refugee advocate and the Iranian man she rescued. A scathing look at our refugee policy. Series based on the popular SMH column. 30 mins SBS 2005 Exec. Prod. Michael Cordell

Heat in The Kitchen – series director / co-writer / camera

The hats are off as we get behind the reviewing process and into the kitchens of 3 top Sydney chefs. SBSi, Lifestyle UKTV, RDF Int. – 5 x ½ hour, 2005

Becoming Julia – producer / director / writer / camera

Fast cars and a sex change as Paul becomes Julia. 52 mins, SBSi 2003 Sydney Film Festival (Finalist – audience favourite) Melbourne, Wellington, Film Festivals

Painted Lady – producer / director / writer / camera

A sequel to Ruth’s acclaimed documentary The Tightrope Dancer 2002 27 mins (ABC & SBS)

The Tightrope Dancer – producer / writer / director

This documentary introduced the unique artist Vali Myers to Australian audiences. National theatrical release (Ronin Films) & ABC 58 mins 1990. Festivals: Amsterdam (IDFA), Montreal World Film Festival. Nomination: “Best Documentary” AFI Awards

Awards & Nominations

LANDMINES A LOVE STORY – editor (with Andrea Lang)

Winner: ‘Best Documentary’ 2005 AFI Awards

HELEN’S WAR – editor (with Steve Weslake)

Winner: 2004 Dendy Awards – ‘Best Documentary’, 2005 AFI Award ‘Best Directing’

BECOMING JULIA – producer/director/writer

Finalist: audience favourite 2003 Sydney international Film Festival

THE TIGHTROPE DANCER – producer/director

Nomination: ‘Best Documentary’ 1990 AFI Awards

GUERRILLA’S IN OUR MIDST – editor

Winner of many international awards including ‘Best Short’ Athens Film Festival 1992, ‘Best Documentary’ Utah Short Film Competition 1992

AUSTRALIA DAZE – contributing director

Winner: ‘Best Editing’ 1988 AFI Awards

PHILIPPINES MY PHILIPPINES – editor

Nomination: ‘Best Film’ 1989 AFI Awards

HALF LIFE – sound editor (Dir. Dennis O’Rourke)

Winner of many international awards including Jury Prize ‘Best Film’ & ‘Berlinale Peace Prize’, Berlin Film Festival 1988

COULDN’T BE FAIRER – co-editor (Dir. Dennis O’Rourke)

Winner: 1988 ATOM Award for ‘Best Documentary’