Jarrah Gurrie is an Australian living the international dream. Based in New York, the up-and-coming young director is fast making a name for himself shooting music videos for artists like gay hip-hopper QBoy and The Rumours, a slew of short films and documentaries that push the right buttons. We sat in him in the F*ck! Marry! Kill! hot seat and grilled the ex-pat.
Woody Allen. John Waters. Francis Ford Coppola. You have to fuck one, marry one and kill one. Who do you choose for each and why?
Fuck – John Waters, I’m sure he’d think up something suitably dirty to do. No shitting though please. Marry – Woody. He lives in New York, I like it here.Kill – Francis Ford Coppola – for teaching Sofia it’s ok not to second guess yourself.
What would you prefer to be – deaf, dumb or blind? And why?
Dumb! Life could be so simple. Plus a world without music or movies is just not me…
You have three wishes. What are they?
1. To make people smile, unfaulteringly.
2. Six months in Oz, six months in NY. It’s a summer thing.
3. Find the perfect match. Or be a contestant on ‘Perfect Match’, either one.
What’s the best thing about being an Australian in New York?
People seem to like you almost immediately.
What’s the worst thing about being an Australian in New York?
Other Australians are always asking you – “So, how long have you been here?” – like it’s a competition. Oh and it’s boring to be so far away from a nice, clean, empty beach.
So you’ve just directed the video for gay rapper QBoy. Tell us about that experience.
I saw the gay hip-hop documentary ‘Pic up the Mic’ at a film festival here in New York and I was seeking out some of the artists to collaborate with in the future. I was really into supporting the genre, because a lot of these artists have had a tough ride to get their music heard. The gay scene is so dance-centric – I’m really into promoting the idea that there are a vast range of gay musicians working in different styles. Shooting Q was a pleasure. He was in New York for 2 days only so we had to work fast but he’s pretty comfortable in front of the camera – so it was easy. I collaborated with the photographer Nicolas Wagner on this and his influence is obvious here too.
You have a doco coming soon about Michael Lucas? When? Tell us about the making of that film? For those of us who haven’t heard about Michael Lucas, why is he a man to watch?
Well, as for the Doco on Michael Lucas, porn star, socialite, social activist – I think that one has unfortunately just been put on the backburner. Though following Mr. Lucas around with a camera has given me some of my most ‘interesting’ moments as a filmmaker I decided it was more important for me, at this stage to focus on stories and issues that are closer to my heart. Doco’s are so time consuming!
I’ve passed the project onto someone else, so stay tuned – it’s still coming! Michael is a wonderful guy – an outspoken porn actor and business man, he very often says the wrong thing but maintains a sense of humor about it like no-one else I know. But ultimately as far as documentaries go, I wanted to give up my time for a subject that I think could inspire a bit of social/political change…? Maybe I’m still at the age when I think I can change the world.
What’s next for Jarrah Gurrie?
I just finished another short called ‘Center of the Universe’ – it’s about heartbreak and renemwal, set in a Cuddle Therapy group. I’m working on a couple of new things – a very American story about an accidental killing in the NYC suburbs and a very Australian story about an emotionally bruised woman living on an environmentally friendly commune. Hopefully both will be feature length. I’m also looking for musicians to make some video’s for – so bands… let me know! I’m really into a lot of Australian music right now so hopefully I can collaborate with some willing victims…
Check out Jarrah’s films on his website.
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