Hey there! My name is Candy Christou and I am the writer and director of 'Nostalgia'.
I am currently in my graduate year studying film and television at JMC Academy with a knack for creating thrillers!
Being a female film maker, I constantly like to push the envelope in my stories, and want to take the audience on a confronting journey with my characters. Most importantly, I like to give women complex roles that aren't found often enough on the big screen.
The idea that a picture isn't perfect and how sometimes there is more than meets the eye was a big influence for 'Nostalgia'. It's an exploration into the human psyche when certain things like betrayal is discovered.
What is it about?
Nostalgia follows 43 year old Claire who is faced with burning questions from those who are meant to love her most. On her 20th wedding anniversary, she looks back to the photos of her life shared with her husband Anthony and her two children Jay and Leigh. What looks to be a happy family on the surface is revealed to be a family filled with a dark secret that ultimately tips Claire over the edge.
Candy Christou - Writer & Director.
Completing a Bachelor of Film & Television at JMC Academy, Candy's firm passion lies in feminist film making. Although Melbourne based, Her dream is to continue her career in Los Angeles, breaking the glass ceiling that many women film makers endure. A seasoned film maker, Candy's most recent work has consisted of the documentary 'Unpacking Violence Against Women' and the short thriller 'Bait & Switch'.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH?
This photo is from my now divorced parent's wedding, with my dad and my grandmother. They got along incredibly well and my dad was never quite the same after she passed away. My grandma also meant the world to me and I just love how happy they both look in this photo. Their smiles are beaming, they are dressed to the nines and most importantly, those hairstyles!
Emily Wood - Director of Photography
Emily is a Melbourne native who spends
most of her free time on Tumblr and has a keen interest in an abundance of TV
shows. Candy and Emily are best friends and love to work together. She plans to pursue a career in screenwriting but has continuously
challenged herself and gathered skills in the various aspects of film
production and post-production whilst studying a bachelor of Film and
Television at JMC Academy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH?
One of my absolute favourite photograph’s is one I took recently of my Godson, Noah. He is three and a half and every time he asks to talk to me on the phone or whenever I see him it makes my heart soar!
It’s not hard to see why it became an instant favourite, right?
Alison Achter - Producer
Currently in her last year undertaking a
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Film and Television) at JMC Academy in South
Melbourne, Alison’s passion for film include; writing for animation, directing
and producing short films and documentaries. Her recent work consists of the documentary 'Seeing Eye Dogs Australia; The Carers' and the short film 'Infinite Wisdom'. Alison will also soon be embarking on a project which will involve a form of Traditional Indian Dancing; Bharathanatyam. Alison’s ambition is to use storytelling as a platform to inspire young
creators to endlessly explore their imagination.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH?
My favourite photo is one that I took of my Jack-Russell Terrier, Russell. Although some people might think he’s just a dog, to me, he’s much more than that – he’s family. Now
12-years of age, Russell has been in my life ever since he was a puppy. This photo represents the side
of Russell that most people don’t often get to see, the friendly, loving,
strong, and comforting friend that he is to me. It represents his older
years, but it also symbolises his strength, especially only being a small dog.
Whenever I'm not feeling confident, I look at this
photograph in my room and it instantly helps me get back into moving forward towards my future, but also reminds me of my childhood.
Lukas Meintjes - Co-Producer
Lukas was born in Harare, Zimbabwe over two decades ago. He moved to Australia in 2009 and has loved every bit of it. His passions are everything to do with performing and that includes the awesome realm of film. He's currently studying a bachelor of Creative Arts in Film and Television Production and hopes to be involved in many film projects in the years to come.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH?
My mum and I on my 2nd Birthday. This photo is very special to me. The only small recollection I have of that birthday party was the room. Everything else, I don’t remember. So viewing it now brings back this strange nostalgia. Being carefree as a child, having an awesome ice cream cake and most importantly seeing my mum glowing with her usual beauty as she steals the shot.
Alara Baldwin - Production Designer