Diana Fisk | Producer

Diana Fisk

Phone: +61 403 525 395

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25.01.2022 It's not often I hear a story that cuts through and directly hits my heart. In 2019 I was part of a select group of filmmakers that took part of Documentary Australia Foundation's Storyworks program - a course that would lead to telling stories with impact. I was there representing and learning on behalf of our documentary The Show Must Go On, and supporting a pretty amazing group of filmmakers.... One of these filmmakers was Ravi Chand, who presented his deeply personal and incredibly powerful story Five Year Grandma. This is the pitch that changed me. I had goosebumps all over my body and tears in my eyes as Ravi shared his story, a story that spoke to me as a mother, a daughter, a human. Ravi sat down next to me after his presentation, I remember clutching his arm, tears still in my eyes, and I told him that if he needed anything, I would be happy to help. A short time later Ravi asked me to produce this story with him, an opportunity I grabbed hold of with gratitude. As a producer, it's easy to think about the potential a story has, whether that's getting in front of a large audience, making an impact at a box office or the best thing of all - creating a lasting and positive impact in a world that needs it. What isn't common, however, is the potential of impacting not only those who watch it but deeply connecting to me as a human. I have no doubt that I will love stronger and think smarter as a result of being involved in this incredible project. I am very proud to be standing next to Ravi and our friend Tony Briggs, as we navigate this journey from development to distribution. https://ice.org.au//project-greenlight-winner-five-year-/

24.01.2022 I've been reflecting on a period of my life in 2017 where things were not okay for me. The world was quite steady and calm in comparison to where we are now, though inside, I was not. This period of time is somewhat a blur for me, it was around 6 months of struggling to get out of bed in the morning, struggling to mother my children, struggling to see my life as something worthwhile at some points. It was really scary. It was during that time I put together my own plan for su...rvival. I wasn't sure exactly what I was surviving at the time, though I knew things weren't okay and it was crucial for me to figure out ways to carry on and nurture myself, on a daily basis. Now, as we enter into further restrictions in what is a very unsteady world, I have thought to revisit my plan and wonder whether it might be worthwhile for others. So here it goes, Diana's plan for survival (even if you aren't sure what you're surviving yet): 1. Every day do one thing that will nurture you. For me, that could have been having a cup of tea by the window, or listening to a favourite song. 2. Get into nature whenever possible. I am not going to pretend I went out when it was pouring rain, I didn't, but for the most part I committed to spending some time, even five minutes each day by the beach, on the sand or in the trees. Nature was hugely healing for me. 3. Make your bed. Every. Single. Day. Without fail. 4. Access support through therapy. This was one of the best decisions I made and was transformative for me. I started off twice weekly, I now go perhaps once every two months. 5. Be careful with unreal expectations. If I could tick off the above four points, that to me was a success. Some days I would literally 'achieve' nothing else and that was fine for me. 6. Consider others. I made the decision to start volunteering and it was also in this time I arranged to hold a #metoo forum in Melbourne. This isn't a new idea, that helping people actually is a selfish act... but it was a great reminder for me. 7. At a time I was ready for it, I started scheduling in small pockets of time for me to work towards my future. I would schedule an hour of learning, of meditation, of working on my career etc. This gave me a great deal of pride and direction when I was ready for it. - That's it. Seven regular actions that took me from struggling to get out of bed to then being able to come back to myself in a way I wouldn't have imagined. This too shall pass and in the meantime, it's okay to focus on the little things to get us through our days. Much love. xx

24.01.2022 Whoop! Get it in your earholes!

24.01.2022 Time for change Brazen Hussies in cinema from November 5th #brazenhussies #brazenhussiesfilm #feministfilm #womensliberation #feminism... www.brazenhussies.com.au

24.01.2022 What are you doing this weekend? Get on it!!!

23.01.2022 Today is International Nystagmus Awareness Day and I wanted to give a shout out to all the incredible people in my life (and beyond) living with Nystagmus. It was a very scary word for us when we first heard it, due to certain things we read online. What we now know to be true is it is a part of Alfie's life and challenges but in no way defines him or the life he is living. For more information on Nystagmus check out this website from my friends at Vision Australia:... https://www.visionaustralia.org/in/eye-conditions/nystagmus See more

23.01.2022 I'm jumping off socials for an extended period to focus on learning, family and rest. Take care everyone and if you need to connect please give me a buzz on 0403525395 xx

22.01.2022 I hope you’ve managed to see some beauty this weekend

22.01.2022 Ahh wise words from Jessica Gallagher. Trust me when I say there's a hell of a lot more of them in the full film - catch it on ABC this Sunday x

21.01.2022 One of the better parts of 2020

21.01.2022 I am proud to be supporting the wonderful team behind this documentary, currently in post-production. Like the page, follow the journey :) https://www.facebook.com/whydidshedoco

21.01.2022 I still remember the health appointment that we were told our little baby boy's vision 'wasn't normal'... something we were soon to realise he was born with Nystagmus and Albinism, and the journey began. Now, five years later, I am really happy to share the below film 'True Vision'. Born out of a desire to help other families experiencing a new diagnosis, because, it does get better This is now available internationally and available with audio descriptions and captions.... https://vimeo.com/ondemand/truevision

20.01.2022 We're very excited to announce that True Vision is now available internationally via Vimeo On Demand! Available with audio descriptions and captions, for rent and to purchase, you can find out more below: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/truevision... I hope you enjoy and please feel free to share the link with anyone that may benefit from seeing it. Much love xx

19.01.2022 You may have seen parts of this on The Project and now it's my pleasure to share with you this amazing story our team put together. Please support our true wildlife warriors by donating, in particular, Wildlife Rescue South Coast (link in comments) who support Cobargo Wildlife Sanctuary's amazing work. I will be back with more tomorrow - I have a LOT to share from a producers perspective and more importantly from the perspective of a human.... This story was captured by the following team of filmmakers Hailey Bartholomew (director), Diana Fisk (producer), Matthew Jeppsen (DP), Annika Salisbury (editor and colourist), Lachlan Harris (sound design & mix) With the support of Be. Bangles, Chantelle Baxter, Stage & Screen, Abi Tabone & Bruce Leaves. https://vimeo.com/433266006/594ab4c202

19.01.2022 We're very excited to share the news of @truevisiondocumentary Official Selection in the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival!! http://www.mdff.org.au/films/true-vision

18.01.2022 Anyone feeling me? This week has been getting me all ftchdjdjdjdjuffddfjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj

18.01.2022 Anyone else feeling a bit frumpy in their home office attire? I am officially declaring #FANCYFRIDAY in my office on Friday every week. I'm looking forward to making an effort to help feel a little nicer within myself like I am getting dressed up for a good ol' power meeting (lipstick and all)! Join me! #fancyfriday

18.01.2022 My people.. it's Jessica Gallagher's birthday today! Head on over to her page and give her a like and some love. She deserves it :)

18.01.2022 Geelong people!!

18.01.2022 I've had the privilege of working on the release of this incredible documentary Brazen Hussies, with a group of kickass women. Check out the trailer now :)

17.01.2022 I have always loved to work - from the moment it was first legal for me to do so. My first job was making pizzas at a local pizza shop at the age of 13 and 9 months (literally only just legal). As a teenager and in my early 20's I was affectionately called 'Diana Three Jobs' - it didn't matter what I was doing I generally found joy in all my work and loved the feeling of responsibility and growth. So when I had my two beautiful children it was probably unrealistic of me to m...ake the decision to give it all up and make parenting my full-time job. That's what I thought I 'should do' though, so I did it. I didn't cope. For the three years I was at home I was desperate for more and felt completely lost. Of course, this had nothing to do with my children, I loved them to bits and loved being around them. But I was aware very quickly that being at home fulltime was not a healthy thing for me. The boys weren't getting the best of me, I wasn't making the most of my time with them. It took me three years to accept that I wasn't going to be 'that kind of mother' and that it was okay for me to maintain a strong connection to the work I do and the impact I chase through this work. It also took a remarkable partner who made space for this and sacrificed his own needs to allow me to return to my career. For the first time since this period I have found myself home again. I have been juggling entertaining and caring for my now school-age children with working in a job and also on my own projects. I am also, of course, restricted to the house apart from a short time outside spent exercising and listening to podcasts when my husband gets home. I would love to say that things have changed for me, that I am spending time with the boys and feel incredibly grateful every minute of the day. The truth is, it's feeling as hard now as it ever did. I am not able to give them all of myself, and it feels as though I have nothing left for me. I am okay, we are okay, and I know our situation is a lot better than so many people around the world right now. We have work, we have income, we have a healthy and safe family, we are the lucky ones. Yet, I can't help think if this is how I am feeling, there must be a lot of people in pain right now. I am attempting to take things day by day and not get overwhelmed by how long things may be this way. Because, really, I do have a lot to be grateful in the day to day.. sometimes it's just difficult to find that in the haze of keeping it all together. Community is so important right now - hence the reason for me posting this. If you are struggling, you are not alone - regardless of how worse off someone else may be or how grateful we should be - it's okay not to be entirely okay right now. Much love xx

17.01.2022 Did you miss these two during the screening of True Vision on ABC TV + iview earlier this year? Well, we have some GREAT NEWS! True Vision is returning to the small screen for one day only at 11am (AEDT) on Sunday 20th September. Check it out at ABC TV + iview :) Jessica Gallagher

17.01.2022 Posted @withregram @brazenhussiesfilm This year, women will work59 extra daysthan men to earn the same pay, while juggling the majority of caregiving, childcare and household roles. And let's not even start on how this pandemic will make things worse...actually, let's definitely start talking about this more! Today, we celebrate the work of all the Brazen Hussies of the past who have changed the way we see women's roles. Take a look here what they were up against!!!!! #brazenhussies #feministfilm #womensliberation #metoo #womensupportingwomen #equalpayday #keepmindingthegap

16.01.2022 Did you miss the bonus screening of True Vision on ABC TV + iview? Don't fret! We have it available to watch at any time on Vimeo On Demand: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/truevision

16.01.2022 Today is the day. True Vision premieres TONIGHT on ABC's Compass at 6.30pm AEDT. To mark the occasion I thought I would take a moment to acknowledge the challenges that have come with making this film... When I first contacted Jess I was part of a filmmaking team, I was going to produce the film but would have had significant support making it happen. Only months later I found myself working for myself, with no money, no team and nothing but determination to get this story ou...t to the world. I quickly recognised that I would need to raise a six-figure budget to make it happen in a way that would do it justice and that's not including the amazing support I received from some beautiful friends who kindly gave up their time to help me. I set out to raise the money and spoke to countless philanthropists, funding bodies, individuals, campaigners and charities. At that point, I HATED asking people for money and overcame a lot of personal challenges to learn that it's okay to believe in a project and to share that passion and commitment with others. I reluctantly directed for the first time and again, with the support of some amazing people who helped me learn the ropes, I was able to translate the vision I had in my mind to the camera and in the edit to deliver what you will see on the screen tonight. Every time I watch the finished film I am reminded of the countless challenges that have come up in the past three years. It is actually a brilliant reminder that as we see in Jess' story, things don't always go according to plan but if you can find the opportunity in the challenges, it's entirely possible to create something incredible. Thanks again to our friend Jessica Gallagher for being on this journey with us. I can't wait to share your story with Australia tonight. Much love, Diana x

16.01.2022 In October 2019 we were announcing the launch of the Wellness Roadshow for documentary The Show Must Go On. This year, to coincide with mental health week, we c...ouldn't be happier to announce a further four customised mental wellbeing webinars crafted specifically for screen practitioners. Taking place in November 2020, the Screen Well initiative claims to be the first of its kind and hopes to address the wellbeing of the screen sector, which it says is falling behind other parts of the entertainment industry. https://screen.artshub.com.au//mental-health-webinars-anno

16.01.2022 Hi Friends. How are you all doing? Today I am practising gratitude for the fact I still have work, that we have food for a few days, that we live in a community that (for the most part) is looking after each other and our most fragile. ... I am grateful for my children's teachers who have dealt with these conversations in such a way that we are still witnessing a carefree joy in them each day. I am grateful for the friends who I have been in constant contact with over the past two weeks. I am grateful for technology to allow us to see our loved ones and for the support it's giving our leading minds in trying to work out a long term solution. I am grateful for all the people that continue to serve, in all the different ways we need it right now. I am grateful for light over dark and that so many people in my lives are focused on calmness, stillness and showing compassion to others. This page might be a little quiet for some time.. I certainly feel the need to pull back and focus elsewhere. But I just wanted to check in and send out lots of love and care - we all need it right now. xx

16.01.2022 Here it is, your final reminder to catch @truevisionfilm on @abctv at 11am today AEDT. Meet the incredible @jessgallagher86, @dianafisk and of course little Alfie

15.01.2022 TWO MORE SLEEPS :)

15.01.2022 Happy World Sight Day!!

15.01.2022 Back in July, when every cinema around the country was shut, Sue Maslin took a leap: she committed to a three-month marketing and P&A campaign for feature documentary Brazen Hussies. Today, the film, distributed via Maslin’s Film Art Media, stands at $103,000. Boom. Learning every day from Sue Maslin and the rest of the team! ... https://www.if.com.au/sue-maslin-on-releasing-brazen-hussi/

15.01.2022 I guess this means it's happening then? 5 DAYS TO GO!!!! https://www.abc.net.au/relig//compass/true-vision/12033602 Jessica Gallagher Documentary Australia Foundation ABC Religion and Ethics Film Vic Screen Australia Vision Australia

15.01.2022 The Australian television industry is in the fight for its life. Come show your support and get behind the Make it Australian campaign. WIFT Australia has supported this campaign from the first launch and are proud to stand alongside MEAA, SPA and all the guilds and hardworking creatives to ensure we have: - quotas on Australian content including SVOD - properly funded public broadcasters and screen agencies - competitive tax offsets

14.01.2022 When I was 20 years old and working at the Melbourne Museum I watched as a group of around 20 protestors arrived at the museum entry to protest world issues, as we had the G20 visiting that day. The protestors were dancing and singing, they did not hold weapons, nor did they appear to hold the intent to harm or destroy. Within ten minutes around 40 police officers arrived on the scene and immediately ran to the group, without hesitation or discussion, they began to beat the p...rotestors with the weapons they held. I froze as I watched it happening, completely confused as to what was happening or why they were meeting the protestors with such violence and disregard for their right to protest. I remember taking a short break soon after and calling my Dad in a hope that he could explain it to me. That was the day I realised that not everything you want to believe about the world is true. I should also note, the protestors were white. I have no doubt what I witnessed would have been much more severe if it involved people of colour. I am disturbed about what is happening in the US, yet I also realise I am no doubt part of the problem. For the most part, I don't understand what is happening for so many around the world, and that's on me. I commit to furthering my learning and to engage in conversations that make me scared or uncomfortable. Because, well, a lot of people don't have the opportunity or privilege to ignore it.

14.01.2022 Diana of 2016. She would soon be calling herself a producer, completely naive to what would come along with that. She would find herself overseas for almost half of her days, stifling the conflict within every time she left.... She would soon be producing her first long form documentary, feeling completely lost and overwhelmed by it all. She would be worried every time she wrote ‘professional filmmaker’ on her custom forms that they would question the truth of it. She would go on to work further in the industry, experiencing the most challenging, rewarding and complex days of her working life. She would meet some of her best friends, some much loved creative partners and a community she could have only dreamed of. Happy four years of producing, Diana!

14.01.2022 I saw some magic yesterday and jumped on board... Send us your videos of this beautiful song by emailing me direct [email protected] or #everylittlecell on Instagram/Facebook (must have a public profile). Lots of lovely things going on the world right now :) xx

13.01.2022 Big news everyone... in 2021 @truevisionfilm will be on tour in Australia!! Following a national broadcast premier in 2020 on ABC’s Compass on Sunday March 15, @visionaustralia and the team behind @truevisionfilm have announced a national tour of the film supported by the Percy and Ruby Haddy Foundation, as managed by Equity Trustees. This series of nine events across the country are free to attendees and will include a screening of the film (28 minutes) and a moderated panel... discussion on the key themes of the film with filmmaker and mother Diana Fisk, a Vision Australia therapist and a local disability advocate. Watch this space for dates and further details to be confirmed in the upcoming months. Whoop!

13.01.2022 Thank you, wonderful people xx

13.01.2022 In 2018 I was proud to join WIFT Australia as administrator. To be completely transparent, it wasn't a love for databases that I was attracted to, it was a very clear desire and commitment to supporting a group of incredible volunteers leading a board that was doing (and continues to do) so much for the Australian screen industry. I am now fortunate enough to be a part of this board and, with that, comes the responsibility to continue to grow this wonderful organisation. But ...we can't do it without your help. We are currently looking for EOFY donations, as well as encouraging people to join as members, as we do all year round. Personally, this organisation has taught me how to take pride in the fact I am a working mother in the industry, it has taught me to be a better bystander, it has taught me the importance of connection and community between all those around me. If you are in a position to help support our organisation through a tax-deductible donation or by becoming a member, please do so. https://wiftaustralia.org.au/donations https://wiftaustralia.org.au/membership

13.01.2022 School is back for us in regional Vic on Monday... and you know what, I don't have a crazy huge response to it either way. If you told me at the beginning of this year that we would be homeschooling our children for half of the school year, I would have had a meltdown. If you told me that by the second lockdown I would have gotten to a place of being okay with reducing my workload and would actually somewhat enjoy the additional time, I wouldn't have believed you.... But, here I am. Happy they are going back to be surrounded by their friends and return to some normality. But for me, I am okay either way... and I have been okay for the last nine (?) weeks. It's a bloody miracle. 2020 eh, the year of everything being flipped upside down.

13.01.2022 What The Show Must Go On (and Ben Steel) has taught me about RU OK... 1. Even if you're working in the wellbeing space, doesn't mean you are immune to feelings of anxiety and depression, but you might be more aware of it (which is a good thing). 2. There is no 'bad' emotion. Ben speaks about feeling all the feels... if you're feeling angry, upset, lonely, whatever it is.. sit with that, ask yourself what has come up for you and listen to the emotions.... 3. Having someone checking in on you in a sincere way is a gamechanger. It really is. There's been a number of times Ben and I have been working on something, he has put down his pen/computer/phone, looked at me and checked in, in a very genuine way. Regardless of whether I 'needed it' or not, it's quite a beautiful act. 4. You won't make someone worse or more inclined to do harm to themselves if you let them know you're concerned and check in on them. 5. Discovering passions outside of work is vital. For someone who struggled to have any kind of work/life balance, this was a challenge for me. I am 100% more on top of things if things aren't all about work. Turns out I love swimming in the ocean, I have a slight obsession with indoor plants and those old friends I didn't give much to over the last five years, they're still here and they're wonderful! 6. Pick up the phone or talk to someone face to face. This is a new learning for me, but an important one. It can be a bit scary to reach out to someone you think might be struggling, but doing it in a significant way will make a significant impact. 7. There are resources and support if you're looking for them. This year I have accessed the free mental health appointments to have a bit of a check-in on myself during such a crazy year. Support Act offer an incredible phone service for anyone in the creative industries. Depending on your situation and what you're struggling with, there will be something and someone that can help. 8. On that last point... finding the right support person can be a bit like dating. I went to a psychologist a few years ago who I knew I wouldn't see again straight away, we didn't vibe at all. I have since found a woman who is the perfect amount of woo-woo for me and who has helped me a lot over the years. 9. It's okay not to be okay. We all know that one... but, it's also really incredible if you can acknowledge that and access some support. There's certainly no shame in it. I think that's it... but keen to hear what works for you below and for anyone that doesn't know what The Show Must Go On is, or who the legendary Ben Steel is, check it out here: www.TheShowMustGoOn.com.au Much love and yellow hearts today and all days xx

12.01.2022 It’s not too late (but nearly is)!!!

11.01.2022 Mental wellbeing in the screen industry is something that I am incredibly passionate about, and quite frankly something that needs a LOT more support and attention. My wonderful friend and collaborator Ben Steel is continuing to advocate for this following the release of The Show Must Go On in 2019 and is gathering expressions of interest for people interested in FREE mental health first aid training sessions later this year. If you have any interest at all, or know someone who does, please support this by signing up below: https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSexM5JdpIAdUkPW9e/viewform

11.01.2022 Such wonderful news that we have been advocating for with The Show Must Go On - The Support Act Wellbeing Helpline has now been extended to provide support to all workers in the arts and entertainment industry!

11.01.2022 VERY excited to announce that True Vision has been announced a finalist in the 2020 ATOM Awards & Competitions in the Best Documentary Short Form category. Whoop! https://atomawards.org/2020-tertiary-industry-/true-vision/

10.01.2022 This is me, a victim (I never use that word usually), on a phone call where I had been seen, heard, believed. And a revolting man that uses his power to violate women was being held accountable. For every person that believes you, it feels like a million don’t. I lost some amazing friends who, for whatever reason (self interests, denial, whatever) weren’t ready to hear me SHOUTING out that things weren’t okay. Pell’s day will come.

10.01.2022 And so it is. It's been over six months since the bushfires devastated Australia. It's been over six months for me to sit down and process my thoughts and feelings from a weekend I had the opportunity of sharing with Cobargo Wildlife Sanctuary and my friends, Hailey & Matt.... xx https://www.dianafisk.com/blog/cobargo

09.01.2022 For me, it’s working already. I am breathing in the outside air in a way I haven’t done for a long time, maybe forever. I am reaching out to loved ones more to say hi, are you doing okay, do you want to chat?... I am realising how lucky I am to have time with my boys, anytime, it’s wonderful. Any restlessness for the work I do or the life I live, it’s gone. I am seeing the true heroes that walk amongst us. The doctors, nurses, cleaners, service workers. The woman at Woolworths who was still smiling and still kind, no doubt after a fairly horrific couple of weeks. Compassion and kindness is turning me on. This isn’t new, but it has been multiplied. I am so grateful for the world I am viewing right now. Let’s hold on to this. Xx

09.01.2022 For anyone in Melbourne who missed this last year, we would love you to join us!!

08.01.2022 This story has already had a huge amount of interest and support. I can't wait to develop it further alongside Ravi Chand and Tony Briggs

08.01.2022 I am being drawn to taking a decent social media break.. 2020 has done incredible things for me in wanting to slow and focus on what's important. Social media definitely is NOT, but my family and friends, and the work I do, definitely IS. Ooh, but I will be back on in December to announce something very special for True Vision! Much love, take care and PEACE!!! See you on the other side (2021 I expect :)).

07.01.2022 Melbourne, have you got your tickets for our free wellbeing event taking place on Thursday?! To coincide with the documentary The Show Must Go On (dir. Ben Steel, 73 mins) and supported by the City of Melbourne COVID-19 Arts Grants and Film Victoria will be a special online event for Melbourne as part of a national Wellness Roadshow. This event includes a panel moderated by producer Sue Maslin and including Ben Steel (writer/director) along with Tracy Margieson (Arts Centre M...elbourne), Benedicte Bemet (The Australian Ballet) and Dr Margaret Osborne (Psychologist). The panel will discuss the issues raised in the film, what action the broader industry can take, as well as provide tools and resources to support individuals. A must for all those working in the arts and entertainment industry, particularly as our industry is entering a difficult time with more specific challenges coinciding with COVID-19. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-show-must-go-on-wellnes

07.01.2022 Here it is folks, the pitch that got me Five Year Grandma

07.01.2022 A little something to fire up your Friday!

07.01.2022 It's going to be a good one... join us!

06.01.2022 I couldn't be prouder to be part of this team than right now. We thought The Show Must Go On was relevant last year when we released it... geez Louise, it is more important than ever now. LIFE WITHOUT ARTS: Yesterday the Australian government passed through parliament a historic JobKeeper income subsidy that will go along way to help many Australians to survive during this pandemic. However, a vast portion of people in the arts & entertainment sector will fall through the cra...cks. This pandemic might destroy arts as we know it in our country for good - are you ready for LIFE WITHOUT ARTS? #notmadeinabubble #scottmorrison #joshfrydenberg #meaa #TimWilsonMP #scomo #DontLetFreelancersFallThroughTheCracks #NoWorkerLeftBehind #WageSubsidyForAll

06.01.2022 We stand in solidarity with all First Nations people, displaced people and creatives of colour. We honour the long history of resistance, resilience and healin...g. We stand with the families of George Floyd, Tanya Day, David Dungay Jr and all those killed by police brutality. We are committed to doing the anti-racism work required within ourselves and the screen industry to fight systemic racial injustice and to champion equality. A better future is possible. #blacklivesmatter #aboriginallivesmatter #sayhername For those wishing to donate and deepen their work towards justice and equality, WIFT has created a list of resources. This list is not exhaustive, but simply a place to begin or continue to educate ourselves so that we can have powerful conversations. https://wiftaustralia.org.au/wift-resource-blacklivesmatter

06.01.2022 Posted @withregram @brazenhussiesfilm US Supreme Court justice and lifelong women's rights champion, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, was a feminist icon to millions, including ourselves. It's with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to this incredible woman who was a passionate, astute and outspoken advocate for women's rights. #brazenhussies #notoriousrbg #feminism #genderequality

06.01.2022 She studied her heart as she sat in the sorrow. ‘I understand my pain, I understand my struggle but where, do I find my joy?’ Her breath was long and quivered in relief. ‘It is the froth that forms on the edge of the ocean as it meets the shore.... It is the birds that pause mid-flight as they pass me above. It is the small curled toes that rest next to mine as we lay together. It is the rainbows that form on our paper and in our skies. It is the sun, the moon, the sun, the sun, the sun. It is the parcels of love that curiously arrive at my door. It is the growth that has emerged from the seeded soil below. It is the elated unknowing of the dogs racing by. It is the opening warmth of spring that teases my softly closed eyes. It is the reluctant giggle of a young boy as his bike travels forward for the very first time. It is the glimpse of a stranger's kind eyes as we pass in the street. It is knowing my own heart, just that tiny bit more. It is the trust I feel in nature and in myself.’ And just like that, her heart found it’s peace again.

06.01.2022 I spent an hour of my walk this morning listening to The TED interview with Elizabeth Gilbert, recorded only this week. There were so many great things that were discussed but perhaps the most impactful for me was recognising the desire we are all feeling to skip past this universal trauma we're experiencing. 'Don't be in such a hurry to rush away from an experience that could actually transform your life. Sometimes the experiences that can transform us so intimately are the... ones we want to run away from the fastest.' BOOM. I remember working in our French Chalet in 2009 and feeling devastated because Australia was going through some of the worst bushfires we had experienced, now referred to as Black Saturday. One of our guests caught me crying in the kitchen and we spoke for some time about what was happening back home. This was over 10 years ago but she said something very simple that has stayed with me to this day. 'With destruction comes rebirth.' I was angry. I thought to myself 'why don't you say that to someone who has lost everything, everyone, and see what they think?!' Over the years since I have constantly thought back to that conversation and once I truly understood the intention behind it, it started to bring me a great deal of comfort. Things have not been working in our world for many years. We have been overtaken by greed, power, money, ego, injustice, lack of community. Any time of discomfort is difficult, yet I can't help think that there's an opportunity for rebirth at the end of this, and that could be something that's been needed for some time. So, I have made a decision to try and walk a little slower, to take in a bit more. I will sit with my emotions when they come up in an attempt to understand myself on a deeper level. I am going to trust that there's light all around us and that focusing on the dark isn't doing me any favours. What a shame it would be to waste this extraordinarily rare opportunity to stop, observe and connect to what's happening around us. I hope you're all okay and can attempt to move a little slower in this, too. xx

05.01.2022 Super proud to be supporting 'Why Did She Have To Tell The World?' Now being produced and financed in association with Film Victoria through their Assigned Production Investment program. Congrats AP, Bonnie & team!!

04.01.2022 'You know, when we lose our voices physically it usually means we have a truth within us that's been suppressed and is desperate to come out.' This one piece of advice, gifted to me by a mentor of mine, confirmed what I already knew I had to do. Ultimately that led me to write my first letter to my Harvey Weinstein almost three years ago now. Recently I have had a similar urge within me to write again, for very different reasons. ... Back then I was writing to try and overcome fear and reclaim my voice. Today I write with a feeling of resolution and excitement to be living a poison-free life. https://www.dianafisk.com/blog/harveyconclusion

04.01.2022 Look, it’s not often I feel like I’ve gotten something right in the ongoing struggle of the juggle that is work vs parenting. SO... I’m totally indulging in a win today. Today was the first of many upcoming online webinars for The Show Must Go On. I’m in a pretty fortunate position of setting the schedule for these and for the most part I’ve set them to occur on days I’m not the primary caregiver in our home.... I have a lot to manage on these webinars, they’re pretty bloody intense at times. But today, unfortunately, I was to try and pull off the impossible, stay actively involved in the webinar for over two hours, whilst being at home with my five year old and seven year old boys. All this was somewhat more complicated when adding that our internet isn’t overly strong so them being on screens (and internet) wasn’t really an option . It started two hours before the event, when I prepared their lunch and snacks, put drinks on the bench and put together a schedule. For the next hour I did school work with them and played with them, while ducking into my office every 5-10 minutes checking on pre-event emails that may come in. Twenty minutes before we were due to start I went over the schedule, told them how important it was for me to not be interrupted (unless it’s an emergency) and let them know there’d be a sweet episode of lego masters waiting for them if all went well. Then I grabbed something to eat, got my head into work and shifted gears. For a while I didn’t hear a thing, they were busy upstairs doing their activity/having lunch/playing with lego. At about the half way mark I did hear the shuffle of four little feet and saw a note slide under my door. It was William asking for help to open a snack ‘if I can’. My heart almost exploded with love. I took a minute to go and open the snack, tell him how good the note idea was, and get back to the computer. At about the two hour mark, another note, asking when I’d be finished. I replied with ‘15 mins’ (in note form under the door), to which I received a note saying ‘thank you’. The webinar was a success, the boys are happy, we’re all now watching LEGO and I’m feeling like I’ve just ran a marathon. Small wins are worth celebrating!!!

03.01.2022 Honoured to be telling this story with my beautiful friend, Ravi. Follow along at Five Year Grandma.

02.01.2022 If you're a member of WIFT and/or Screen Vixens you are welcome to attend an interactive chat I am having with Wellbeing Consultant (and wonderful human) Kyla Tustin on Tuesday 7th April. Hit me up at [email protected] to reserve your place xx

02.01.2022 Ahhh I just stumbled on this again, my first doco!!! Three years since the release now - still holds a very special place in my heart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dUnRfKPSdY

02.01.2022 I'm on the making films train! :D https://www.youtube.com/watch

02.01.2022 Mark your calendars, @truevisionfilm is coming back to @abctv at 11am Sunday 20 September

01.01.2022 On a regular basis at the moment, I find myself on a Zoom, meeting and collaborating with a group of ten KICKASS women on an equally KICKASS project. It isn’t lost on my how rare this is and, though I love the men I get to work with too, it feels pretty darn special.

01.01.2022 There was a time, not so long ago, that my work meant a huge amount to me. It was where I felt valued, it was where I felt I could make the most valuable contribution. It was something I was happy to commit most of my waking hours to and if I had more, I likely would have given more. I remember a friend of mine a few years back actually having to physically pull my laptop out of my hands and convince me to slow down and spend time with them. I was terrified to let go of it, a...s I wasn't sure what would have been left of me without it. Now, as some could say I am hitting all of the career goals I had set for myself a number of years ago, I am experiencing something new. Over the past six months, I have found it increasingly difficult to use my 'personal time' on work tasks. Feeling that I simply don't have the capacity to break that sense of balance any longer. It wasn't so long ago I didn't really have this 'personal time' in place at all. I also feel fatigued in a way I am yet to experience. It feels like fatigue is hitting me from days, months and years of not allowing myself to rest. A quiet little voice inside me is getting stronger and more courageous in asking 'but what if there is more?'. So, for the first time in, I want to say, over twenty years, I am slowing. By choice. I am becoming quieter, I am becoming more intentional. I am starting to consider creativity and instinct over logistics and action. And it feels absolutely the right thing for me to do. I am starting to consider if there is a different way. A way for a woman (or anyone really...) to contribute through their work in a passionate, slower, and more nurturing way. I am starting to consider what it must feel like to do that without apology and instead in celebration. This is not something I have the answer to yet, and I have no doubt it will be something I make mistakes with. But my gosh, I am so grateful to be trying it and listening to that beautiful inner voice of mine. I may be here, I may not be. I may share, I may not. I actually have no idea what I am stepping into which is equal parts a little scary and completely liberating. I know I am not alone in this and so many women I am speaking to right now are feeling the urge to make shifts of their own. Life is beautiful and challenging and amazing and strange. So, here we go.