We were lucky to catch up with Josh Zammit (Writer/Director and Post-Producer of Seeder) recently and have shared our conversation below.
Josh, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
That’s a tough question. I think I’m happiest when I’m doing my creative work, but I wouldn’t say I’m happy because of it. That’s not really the goal. The work can be incredibly grueling at times and involve a lot of hard work, relentless inner battles, bouts of self-doubt, and the occasional existential crisis. In saying that, I love this process more than anything else and when everything comes together, there’s no better feeling out there. Happiness just isn’t the word. In terms of working for someone else, I don’t have to wonder about it, I’ve been doing it most of my life and it’s certainly not my ideal way of living. I do however appreciate being brought up in this world where I’ve had to fight towards my passions. I definitely find myself drawn to characters and themes about trying to escape normalcy than anything else.
Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Sure. I’m an Australian writer/director, post producer and artist now based in Los Angeles. I started working in film when I was sixteen after leaving high school to study filmmaking at TAFE. Through volunteering and working on film sets in Sydney, I connected with a tight-knit community of professional writers and directors who shared my passion for cinema and the arts. Soon, I was collaborating with some of them, leading me to the creation of the feature horror film ‘Observance’ in 2012, which I wrote and produced. While it was a challenging journey, it found success at international film festivals like BFI London Film Festival and Fantasia International Film Festival.
Following the success of ‘Observance,’ I wrote and directed my debut short film ‘Ascendant,’ which garnered accolades including Best Cinematography at St Kilda Film Festival and the Gold Tripod for Best Short Film at the Australian Cinematographers Society Awards. Currently, I am actively involved in developing several feature film projects. Notably, ‘Seeder,’ in which I serve as the writer/director, editor, and post-producer, garnered recognition by reaching the Quarterfinals of the 2022 Nicholl Fellowship. The film is set to commence production in 2024 in collaboration with Arclight Films.
I’ve always gravitated toward genre filmmaking, particularly in horror and science fiction, where I like to explore themes and ideas focusing on psychological and body horror rather than the supernatural. Turning to my paintings and drawings, my approach is much looser in that medium, a more raw creative process that allows me to channel emotions without the need for precision and meticulous planning. It’s a therapeutic outlet, distinct from my filmmaking and writing.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most fulfilling aspect for me is in the process itself. Doing the work. Entering that creative state, experimenting, exploring and finding bold and thought-provoking ideas that excite me. The goal is to reside in this creative mindset as often as possible, for as long as possible.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal has always been to create bold and thought-provoking work that comes from a true place of self-expression or deep interest. I’d like to continue following this thread and learn more about myself and the world around me and just see where that goes. I have no idea where.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joshzammit.com
- Instagram: Personal – @joshzammit Artwork – @mobeyzammit