Diverse and Inclusive

This program is a selection of Swinburne Film and Television Graduate films curated by Dr Vincent Giarrusso that explore our multicultural experiences and diverse society. 

Mother Tongue  
HD video, 2019 
Writer/Director: Jessica Li
Producers: Heshi Wijerathna, Samantha Kwan

17-year-old Jane begins to embrace her background and rekindle her relationship with her mother when she becomes immersed in Chinese culture at her younger sister's new language school.  A gentle film about acknowledging your parents and your mother language. 

Paper Crane  
HD video, 2017 
Director/Producer: Takumi Kawakami

An Australian/Korean short film follows Sora on her seventh birthday, as she manages the pressures of the rigid demands for success set out by her family. A film about the family ties to culture and integrating into Australian life across the back fence and a football.   

Backing Up Bilitis  
HD video, 2018 
Writer/Director: Abbie Pobjoy
Producer: William Dabinet

Seventeen-year-old closeted Jane creates an underground event in the basement of her suburban home, all on the brink of Melbourne's first gay liberation movement. A comedy about the first lesbian club in Melbourne. 

Vincent Giarrusso  
Vincent Giarrusso is lecturer in Film and Television specialising in writing for screen and direction. His practice, teaching and research is underpinned by an emphasis on the social and cultural significance of filmmaking. Vincent is passionate about sharing knowledge at a undergraduate level working mainly in scriptwriting and directing with first year and graduate students.