Stories in the making
Front Porch Films
Tucked away, behind the spare tea towels and face flannels in a dusty cupboard at Mum's place is an old wooden box.
Her very first school case—hand built by my grandfather over 80 years ago. Its contents amongst Mum's most cherished possessions.
Inside are an assortment of my grandfather's photos. Mostly black and white; a few carefully hand coloured.
Tiny fragments of time in a lifetime of quiet, patient observation.
And on those rainy days when there's little else to do, I reach in for that box and open its dusty lid.
Very likely, discovering something new amongst the familiar.
Like my grandfather, I tell stories in pictures.
About ordinary people like you and I in everday life. Capturing them at their best—their natural best. Adding sound to create a sense of place; music to emphasise mood.
It takes great patience and careful observation.
Being genuinely interested in who these people and where these places are, and why they are so special.
Some of my recent projects include:
Stories about people enjoying life to the full, despite the challenge of living with a chronic, progressive neurological condition—Raymond's story (produced in conjunction with Parkinson's WA)
A video about a community-led project that turned a barren patch of land into a thriving vegetable garden, helping city dwellers reconnect with nature (produced in conjunction with Coogee Community Garden WA)
Love at the Embassy—the happy story of a teenage girl and a baker's apprentice, who had just enough money left after their honeymoon to purchase a bread knife.
Mayakeniny—a series of short, online webisodes for both children and adults to engage with Noongar language and music (produced in conjunction with Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University)
A vivid recreation of Osborne Park in the1950s—The Playground. Filmed in 360 degrees and with ambisonic sound, Joe D'Alonzo leads us to the exact same place where his humble childhood home once stood.
A bit about me
I’m a filmmaker and visual storyteller, based in Perth, WA.
Originally trained as an electronic engineer, I switched over to film making, and ended up teaching in the Dept. of Film & Television at Curtin University.
My life too, is a story in the making:
I've been living with Parkinson's disease (PD) since my early 40s. It's a challenging condition for which currently there's no cure, and progressive which means it worsens with each passing year. However, I'm determined to keep doing as much as I can, which these days means making short films for not-for-profits, charities and other projects that align with my personal values.
And whilst my challenges continue to grow, I'm never giving up.
So, Grandpa—
Thank you for showing me that real gems are not those which are staged or posed, but rather emerge naturally from the soil of everyday life.
Thank you for instilling in me your love of nature and adventurous spirit.
And although we never met, you are constantly and quietly inspiring me throughout my own journey.
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