Stories of Murdoch
7 x single channel HD videos, with sound (and subtitles)
Directed by Matt Sav and Melle Branson “Till Death”
Produced by Strange Harvest Productions
Commissioned for Boola Katitjin
Murdoch University Art Collection
Stories of Murdoch is a series of seven short videos that celebrates Murdoch’s diverse student body and fosters a sense of belonging and community within Boola Katitjin.
Directed by Matt Sav and Melle Branson, two of WA’s most exciting and innovative creatives, and produced by Alexandra Nell from Strange Harvest Productions, Stories of Murdoch explores themes of wellbeing, pride, mental health, individuality, connection, leadership, nature, and diversity—embracing the core values of Murdoch University.
Discover more about each story below:
Everybody wants to feel like they belong somewhere, and feel free and accepted to be themselves. That’s what unites everyone at the Murdoch Queer Collective. “Imagine spending your entire day with somebody else’s face on. Now, imagine you find a group of other people who are doing the exact same thing.” - Emily Rose Williamson
- Director: Melle Branson
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Director of Photography: Lewis Potts
- Camera Assistant: Andrew Samson
- Gaffer: Ed Martinez
- Best Boy: Aaron Kaplan
- Production Designer: Katelyn Collins
- Art Assistant: Emily Healey
- Production Support: Cal McLean
- Make up artist: Astrid Hansen
- Editor: Liam Oz
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
- Production Company: Strange Harvest Productions
Special thanks: Emily Rose Williamson, Joshua Reynolds, Evee Flores, Shannon Grech, Erin Bell, Ronan Sturrock, Luke Morgan, Aaliyah Geyer, Rubri Rose, Jessica Sakowski, Rachel Radivojevic, Adam Bourke, and the members of Murdoch Queer Collective who shared their time with us.
A portrait and collection of shared perspectives by the Murdoch Medieval Club, a society who come together in strength over their common interest of Medieval history, combat and craftsmanship. “A community is where you feel at home. It’s where you’re surrounded by people that you trust, and that you can rely on.” - Vladislav Bychkov
- Director/Director of Photography: Melle Branson
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Production Support/Camera Operator: Cal McLean
- Editor: Liam Oz
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
Special thanks: Vladislav Bychkov, Jack Wicks, Noor Radiy, Peter Charles, James Culverhouse Paolo Oliveros, Jeanne Stevens, Declan Ward, Jarrad Beaverstack, Riley Stolk,Meleva Thorn Frankie Pham and the Murdoch Medieval Club who shared their time with us.
Nature invites us to look closer at what is around us. In this piece, we see the natural environment of the Murdoch University campus and the diversity of its Banksia species through the eyes, words and artistic expression of Jade Roycroft. “There’s whole worlds in the little things, and there’s plenty of that, if you have eyes to see it.” - Jade Roycroft
- Director: Melle Branson
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Director of Photography: Lewis Potts
- Production Support: Cal McLean
- Camera operator/Editor: Cal McLean
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
- Talent: Jade Roycroft
Cindy’s story is one of discovery, hardship, and joy found in community and learning. Her influence runs deeply through the faculties of Murdoch, inspiring fellow mature age students and fresh young faces alike. Cindy loves to walk through nature, especially when the ground gets shakey underneath. Walking through the natural surrounds of the Murdoch campus is where she finds solace and peace.
- Director: Matt Sav
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Director of Photography: Lewis Potts
- Camera Assistant: Andrew Samson
- Grip: Greg McKie
- Best Boy: Clint Lawrence
- Production Support: Cal McLean
- Editor: Matt Sav
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
- Production Company: Strange Harvest Productions
- Talent: Cindy Palermo
Jaye Lee speaks softly, with passion and heart. Her spirit is so strong it resonates through every space she moves through. She is an advocate for mental health and is a stalwart of Murdoch University's mentoring programs. She engages with her community, culture, sport, and family to re-energise when the demands of academic life become strenuous. Jaye Lee is a Murdoch treasure.
- Director: Matt Sav
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Director of Photography: Lewis Potts
- Camera Assistant: Andrew Samson
- Gimbal Operator: Ben McCullough
- Production Support: Cal McLean
- Editor: Matt Sav
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
- Production Company: Strange Harvest Productions
- Talent: Jaye Lee Snowden
Emily has had numerous challenges along her journey from Margaret River to studying at Murdoch as a remote student. With the right help and a fierce determination, Emily has continued on her study path towards becoming a teacher, using rest and the Universities resources for people with disability to achieve her goals to great success. A role model for all young people to look up to, especially those with disabilities.
- Director: Matt Sav
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Director of Photography: Lewis Potts
- Grip: Greg McKie
- Best Boy: Clint Lawrence
- Location Scout: Lauren Lloyd Williams
- Production Support: Cal McLean
- Editor: Matt Sav
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
- Production Company: Strange Harvest Productions
- Talent: Emily Daniels, Lexy Daniels
Jerome is a wonderful poet whose words about the Murdoch campus are as filled with metaphor as they are poignant representations of a landscape often unsung and unnoticed.
- Director/Editor: Matt Sav & Melle Branson
- Producer: Alexandra Nell
- Director of Photography: Lewis Potts
- Production Support Alzbeta Rekosh
- Post Sound: Envelope Sound
- Poetry and words by: Jerome Masamaka
- Production Company: Strange Harvest Productions
- Talent: Jerome Masamaka
About the creatives
Strange Harvest is a creative collaboration between filmmakers Alexandra Nell and Cal McLean offering bespoke film and video production focussed on compelling and sensitive local stories.
Melle Branson is a director, filmmaker and photographer whose raw talent is underpinned by a unique creative sensibility. Through her production company Till Death, Melle documents work, love and life, telling people’s stories with empathy and humour in a compelling visual style.
Matt Sav is a film director, creative director, and artist. Focusing on moving and still imagery in the commercial, documentary, and music spaces, his interest lies in creating work at the intersection of aesthetic expression and emotional vulnerability.
Special thanks
Emily Daniels, Jerome Masamaka, Cindy Palermo, Jade Roycroft, Jaye Lee Snowden, the members of Murdoch Queer Collective and Murdoch Medieval Club and the countless other voices that shared their stories with us over the journey of this project.