Australiaarrghh! Horror’s Moment in the Australian Sun

Adrian Chiarella is an award-winning Australian screenwriter and director, with previous short films including TOUCH (2014), BLACK LIPS (2018) and DWARF PLANET (SFF Dendy Awards 2021). Previous TV credits include TOTALLY COMPLETELY FINE (Stan), FIVE BEDROOMS (Paramount+) and EROTIC STORIES (SBS). He is a graduate of the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

Kristina Ceyton is a co-founder of Causeway Films, which focuses on the development and production of entertaining, socially relevant stories that allow original and diverse creative voices to achieve international success. Causeway’s previous features include Netflix Original CARGO (2017), BUOYANCY (2019) which premiered at the Berlinale, and BRING HER BACK (2025). Causeway’s latest horror film LEVITICUS, written and directed by Adrian Chiarella and starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen & Mia Wasikowska, debuted at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is screening at SFF 2026.

Natalie Erika James is a Japanese-Australian writer, director and producer focused on dark genre stories told with heart. Her debut psychological horror, RELIC, premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, going on to screen at festivals including BFI, SXSW and Sitges, where it was awarded a Special Mention for Direction. RELIC also received a nomination for Best Feature at the 2020 IFP Gotham Awards, as well as nominations for Best Film, Best Direction, and Best Screenplay at the 2020 AACTA Awards.

Samantha Jennings is a co-founder of Causeway Films, which focuses on the development and production of entertaining, socially relevant stories that allow original and diverse creative voices to achieve international success. Causeway’s previous features include Netflix Original CARGO (2017), BUOYANCY (2019) which premiered at the Berlinale, and BRING HER BACK (2025). Causeway’s latest horror film LEVITICUS, written and directed by Adrian Chiarella and starring Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen & Mia Wasikowska, debuted at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is screening at SFF 2026.