Female Filmmaker Friday features an Actress, Director, and Producer Aurelie Stratton.
I'm inspired by the power of storytelling to make a positive impact in the world. As a filmmaker, my goal is to create stories that move people and inspire positive change. I believe in the power of diverse, local, and international content to inspire and inform my own filmmaking. I watch and listen to a variety of shows and podcasts, and I download scripts from my favourite productions to learn from the best.
Navigating the shift from being in front of the camera to taking charge behind it proved to be a formidable journey. However, this experience became a catalyst, inspiring me to discover and amplify my voice as an advocate for diversity in the realm of filmmaking. My particular passion lies in crafting narratives that revolve around women, and my dedication is unwavering in promoting increased representation and inclusivity, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive environment both on-set and on-screen.
I will never forget the magic of my first time on set! That serves as one of my memorable experiences. That moment was truly transformative, and it instilled in me a deep love of filmmaking that has never faded. And as for more recent memories, being a part of DFM Access in 2023 was an incredible opportunity. It was humbling to work alongside so many talented and passionate film and television makers.
The highlight of my journey as a #Swiftie has been the incredible community of women that I've been able to connect with. This group has been an invaluable source of support and encouragement as I navigate the film industry, and it's been amazing to see us lift each other up and empower one another. I'm truly inspired by this group of women and excited to see where we go from here. I've been fortunate enough to work on a few exciting projects lately. I'm currently directing a 17 minute short called 'Fighter', which is set to shoot in the spring, as well as producing a feature that's slated to go into production later this year. I'm also working on a dark comedy episodic that follows my cancer journey, called 'Chemo & Coke'.
As for interesting facts about me...I'm a cancer survivor of 9 years and counting, which is something that's dear to my heart and that I often explore in my films. And fun fact - the first film I ever watched was Star Wars, and it's what inspired me to pursue filmmaking. I still carry a little Yoda toy with me to this day as a reminder of that passion.
Lastly, I'm a big proponent of animal welfare and conservation, and that's something that resonates deeply with me and that I hope to continue exploring in my work.