Melissa Davey is an Australian film director and writer that has enjoyed a long and successful career in the industry. Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1975, Davey has been making films since her early twenties.
She is best known for her work on the critically acclaimed feature films, 'The Turning' (2013) and 'Jirga' (2018). 'The Turning' is an Australian anthology film based on the short stories of Tim Winton and was nominated for five AACTA Awards. 'Jirga' is a drama-thriller set in Afghanistan and follows an Australian soldier trying to find redemption for a violent action in the war. The film was nominated for numerous awards and won the Best International Feature Film at the Melbourne International Film Festival.
In addition to feature films, Davey has also directed several shorts and documentaries. Her documentary, 'The Inventor's Secret' (2016), was a finalist for Best Documentary at the Sydney Film Festival. Her 2018 short film, 'The Drover's Wife', was nominated for Best Short Fiction Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.
Outside of her directing career, Davey has also been an active voice in the Australian film industry. She is a member of the Australian Directors Guild and has served on the board of the Screen Producers Association of Australia.
Davey is passionate about providing opportunities for emerging filmmakers and often mentors young filmmakers. She regularly speaks at film festivals and events about her career and the importance of diversity in the film industry.
Overall, Davey is an acclaimed Australian director and writer with an impressive body of work. Through her films, she has explored a variety of topics, from war to family, and has given voice to characters often overlooked in mainstream cinema. Her passion for film and commitment to inclusion have earned her a reputation as one of Australia’s most talented filmmakers.
