Director / Associate producer: Michael Mier

Heralding form Cairns, Australia, Michael was attracted to film making through his endeavours in painting and music.

 Since graduating the Griffith University film school Michael has immersed himself in the film and television industry. For over 5 years Michael has worked on Australian and international features, US television series, and major national and international TVC’s. 

Michael has had the opportunity to experience a diverse array of the film making palette both technically and emotionally.  While continuing to experiment with a hands on approach to the disciplines of cinematography, sound design and editing Michael has begun to forge a distinct visual style.

 It is however the exploration of story and the complexities of character that Michael relishes most.  This is evident in his work with actors of various ages, particularly children. 

 As Michael’s portfolio continues to strengthen accomplishments to date include screenings at St Kilda Film fest 08, Byron bay international Film fest 08 and  Australian screenings (An Axe, Knives and Videotape 2005) a  QNFA finalist ( The Malaise Cocoon 2004) several internationally screened music clips and  documentary/experimental work in the areas of drug psychosis (QLD mental health) and Indigenous law.

Recent credits:

 Abandonment Principle, SF, 35mm, Director / Writer

Icarus, VC, HD Cam, Director

The Sound of CRY, SF 35mm, 2007, Director

The Difference in Shadow, SF 16mm, 2007, Director / Writer

An Axe Knives and Videotape, SF, 2006, Director

The Malaise Cocoon, SF, 2005, Director

Producer: Lav Bodnaruk

Born and raised in Europe, Lav worked hard to combine the two worlds of cinema through his studies at the film school collage (Griffith University) in Brisbane Australia, developing a strong and unique style of film making. As a graduate he started a production company, Lav Productions, which enabled him to bring a number of projects to the screen, producing numerous short films (16mm and 35mm) most of which he had directed himself, some which he also shot.

 Through his company, Lav has been trying to realise his low budget feature film screenplay “Translation” with interests from AFI winners attached to the project. He had produced and directed a 5 minute teaser for “Translation”, on 35mm film and is currently looking for a feature film producer to collaborate with.

Lav recently won 2008 Best Young Australian Filmmaker Award.

Recent credits:

Affair, SF 35mm, 2008, Director/Writer/Producer

The Other Woman, SF 16mm, 2007, Producer

The Sound of CRY, SF 35mm, 2007, Producer

The Difference in Shadow, SF 16mm, 2007, Producer

The Pain of the Macho, SF 35mm, 2007, Producer/Director

Almost Aussie, SF 16mm, 2007, Producer/Director

Translation, T 35mm, 2006, Producer/Director

Writer: Manawa Ilingworth

Manawa is a New Zealander living and working in Far North Queensland. Developed as part of QPIX Initiatives 2007, “The Sound of CRY” is his debut short film.

Maori cultural script advisor: Maatakiri Te Ruki

Ko Taranaki te maunga
Ko Waingongoro te awa
Ko Aotea te waka
Ko Ngā Ruahine te iwi
Ko Ngāti Okahu-tī-tī te hapū
Ko Aotearoa te marae
He uri whakatipu nō Tītokowaru
Ko Maatakiri Te Ruki tōku ingoa

Ngā mihi nunui atu ki ngā kaimahi i whakarite ai tēnei kaupapa i runga i te manaakitanga o te wā. Ka hari koa tōku ngākau kia mahi tahi i te taha o ngā tauheke me ngā kūia e noho mai nei i runga i tēnei whenua.

This was my first time involved in a short film and it was such a pleasure to meet Michael Mier, Lav Bodnaruk and the team to help and offer advice to ensure that tikanga Māori (Māori traditions) were appropriately demonstrated within the making of the film.

Since moving here to Brisbane mid-2005, the Māori community welcomed me with an open heart, and; it was such a great privilege to work alongside a gifted group of people who showed passion about maintaining our culture while living overseas.

Special thanks must go to Christel; for her courage and sheer guts to participate in the film against all fears, doubts and ill-health, which showed strength and spirit of a strong Māori woman.
For me; Māori is who I am and where I come from; it was an awesome experience; and a memory that will remain in my heart.

“Ehara te toa i te takitahi, engari he toa takitini”

On-set cultural advisors: KUIA - Nanny Lorrie Fakaosilea KAUMATUA-Mokopuna Rapaere Karu Kamira

Script editor: Wynn Te Kani