Hannah Hilliard is a multi-award winning AFTRS graduate who has worked as a director in film, television, and commercials. She has written and directed five short films that have been critically acclaimed internationally. Her Screen Australia funded short film, Franswa Sharl, won the prestigious Crystal Bear for Best Short Film at the 60th Berlin Film Festival and Best Short Film at Melbourne International Film Festival, before going on to win several other major accolades. Her previous short films also won awards and were sold to broadcasters worldwide. Based on her short film works, Hannah was the inaugural recipient of the Screen Australia Director’s Acclaim Fund.
Hannah is particularly known for her natural storytelling ability, and eye for performance direction. She cast both Mia Wasikowska and Callan McAuliffe at the age of fourteen in their early short film roles, demonstrating her talent for discovering young actors. Hannah has also directed Margot Robbie in several episodes of Neighbours, and was invited to direct David Wenham as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Flickerfest ‘Star Wars’ Trailer.
As a commercial’s director Hannah has worked internationally with advertising agencies on high profile brands including Intel, Adidas and Dettol. Her Intel Visibly Smart campaign shot in Indonesia, was produced by global transmedia company @radical.media. and generated publicity worldwide.
Hannah is currently developing her feature project Mimesis, with South Australian producer Kristian Moliere (The Babadook, Wake in Fright) and the support of Screen Australia.