The Farm, Byron Bay
private commission multi-year documentation
A working farm housing a collection of micro-businesses all sharing in a common goal of Grow, Feed, Educate, Give Back
Currently in productionWriter/Director/Camera
Sea Peace
private commission multi-year documentation
The creation of a globally significant conservation project over hundreds of acres consisting of Big Scrub rainforest regeneration, rare and endangered species re-introduction and large-scale native wetland creation.
Where Cliffs Meet the Sky
Mullumbimby Creek Escarpment Plateau – private commission multi-year documentation
One of the most spectacular properties in the region which has undergone a dramatic rainforest and major landscape transformation.
Past Work
Oren’s films include Suburban Rituals – Rite of the Horned God, broadcast on ‘Hynch’ and ‘The Midday Show’, and Red Sands Blue Seas, an Australian Film Commission documentary accepted into competition at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and broadcast on the Discovery and National Geographic channels and NITV.
Her feature documentary film Bruce & Me, a Canadian/Australian official co-production, had its world premier at IDFA and has subsequently screened in many international film festivals including Nashville Film Festival, London Australian Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, Austin Film Festival and the Norwegian Documentary Festival. http://bruceandme.orensiedler.com/
Bruce & Me aired on ABC Australia and on the Sundance Channel USA, YLE FINLAND, as well as numerous international broadcasters including Canada LIFE NETWORK, Ireland, Finland, Israel, Germany and NZ broadcasters.
In 2018 she was commissioned by the Department of Primary Industries, in conjunction with Lismore City Council and Starfish Initiatives to produce a short film on Farming The Sun – Australia’s most diverse community solar energy initiative.
Her most recent film, Transforming Emerald Valley, was shot over 5 years as a private commission and reveals the long-term process of transforming a 100 acre denuded weed-infested property back to native Big Scrub rainforest.
Documentaries
Bruce & Me
Filmmaker Oren Siedler’s personal exploration into her troubled and unusual relationship with her brilliant, charming, con-artist, white-collar criminal father takes us around the world, from Australia to Canada, Cuba, Mexico and the USA.
- Website: www.bruceandme.orensiedler.com
CRITICAL ACCLAIM for Bruce & Me
“Outstandingly excellent!”
Albert Maysles –
legendary documentary filmmaker;
‘Gimme Shelter’, ‘Grey Gardens’
“A soul-searcher”… “a tough and tender treatise on the strength of familial ties.”
Henrietta Walmark –
The Globe & Mail
“Totally absorbing and surprisingly funny”
The EFC Review
“Speaks a universal language while focused on the specifics of a unique father-daughter relationship”
Joe Leydon –
Variety
“Truly captivating…an unassuming voyage of self discovery.”
Alan Bostick –
The Nashville Tennessean
“Filmmaker Oren Siedler has come up with a remarkably candid study of herself, parts of which will resonate with the inner child that lurks in us all”
James Wegg –
Jamesweggreview.org
“Odd, quirky and sometimes disturbing”
Jim Bawden –
The Toronto Starr
“Bruce & Me is reminiscent of a 1970’s road picture – like Five Easy Pieces 25 years later”
Brian Gorman –
The Toronto Sun
“Funny… Moving…”
The Calgary Herald
“Subject matter could generate feature stories, talk show appearances etc.”
Joe Leydon –
Variety
Red Sands Blue Seas
A planned cultural exchange turns culture clash when four traditional Aboriginal artists from the Central Australian desert meet with the indigenous Sasak Potters in Lombok Indonesia.
- Commissioned by the Australian Film Commission and CAAMA
- Accepted into competition at International Documentary Festival Amsterdam
- Screened on National Geographic, Discovery Channel and NITV
Transforming Emerald Valley
When a passion for rainforest leads to a spectacular transformation. Filmed over 5 years in the ‘Big Scrub’ region of Northern NSW.
- Private commission
- Cinema Screening
Lune de Sang
The dramatic transformation of a multi-award winning large-scale rainforest and architectural transformation filmed over 7 years.
- Private commission
Out Loud teaser
The power of music helps four extraordinary teenage musicians through anxiety and depression.
- In development, with support from Screen Australia
- Trailer: https://vimeo.com/412621602
- Password: outloud
Writing
Bruce & Me – a memoir
Published by Random House Australia 2009
The GRIFFITH Review
A Revealed Life
Best Of The GRIFFITH Review memoir over 3 years.
Edition 22
A New Land, 1976
The GRIFFITH Review, Re-imagining Australia
Edition 19
Fear in Havana
The GRIFFITH Review, The Trouble With Paradise
Edition 14
Lying For Bruce
The GRIFFITH Review: Family Politics
Edition 10
FELLOWSHIPS AWARDED
- Selected to partake in the coveted Residential Writing Mentorship Program with award winning Author Marele Day, provided by ‘Arts NSW’ Arts and Literature Program.
- Awarded a competitive one-month Erik Dark Flagship Fellowship from Varuna – The Writers’ House.