Award-winning Filipino Australian filmmaker and cinematographer Jude Ella is gaining national acclaim as his latest short film, 绽放 To Freely Flourish, continues to move audiences and receive prestigious recognition.
The film, which follows a Chinese migrant family navigating hope and connection during Australia’s 2017 Marriage Equality debate, has captivated viewers with its heartfelt storytelling. Featuring an all Asian Australian cast of emerging talents, To Freely Flourish offers a rare and optimistic portrayal of queer and migrant family experiences.
After a series of sold-out screenings at Dendy Newtown and inclusion in the City of Sydney’s official Lunar New Year 2025 program, the film has continued to resonate with diverse audiences. It was also showcased at the 2024 Beijing Queer Film Festival, drawing praise for its cross-cultural relevance and emotional depth.
Now, the film has been shortlisted for the St Kilda Film Festival’s Australia’s Top Short Film Competition, part of the country’s oldest and largest short film festival and a qualifier for the Academy Awards. The screening will take place on 12 June at St Kilda Town Hall.
A voice for community, diversity, and inclusion
Jude Ella brings over 15 years of experience as a filmmaker and cinematographer, with work spanning short films, documentaries, and commercial content. His past collaborations include artists such as Rufus du Sol, Kesha, Baker Boy, Vera Blue, and Art vs Science. His documentary for Down Syndrome Australia was screened at the United Nations, and his project with Dying with Dignity reached wide audiences online. In 2019, he was part of the team nominated for an ARIA Award for a Baker Boy music video.
During the Lunar New Year panel screening, diversity advocate Adrian Phoon described the film as “a positive, beautiful story that helps us recuperate from that difficult time.” Meanwhile, Bill Yan, co-host of The Migrant Handbook on 2CR Cantonese radio, said it reflects many layers of the Asian migrant experience, beyond the political context.
Parramatta screening this May
Audiences in Western Sydney will soon have a chance to experience the film at Parramatta Riverside Theatre on 16 May, with a Q&A featuring Jude Ella, the writer-director, a lead actor, and the founder of ANTRA. A second screening will be held on 25 May, alongside a curated selection of award-winning Asian Australian short films.
To explore more about the film and future screenings, visit: www.tofreelyflourishthefilm.com.au
