FOLLOW US:

Not a Rich Kid - Instagram

The Unyielding Journey of Sandra Sciberras

In this episode of 'Not a Rich Kid,' hosted by Kath Dolheguy, Sandra Sciberras, an award-winning director, screenwriter, and storyteller, shares her inspiring journey from a working-class upbringing in Melbourne to becoming a notable film director. Sandra recounts her childhood as the daughter of Maltese migrants, her struggles and resilience as a teenager living on the streets, and her unexpected path to film school thanks to a supportive teacher. She details her experiences in the film industry, the vital role of community and mentorship, and the intersecting challenges of class and gender. Sandra also reflects on the realities of sustaining a creative career, including balancing day jobs and her relentless pursuit of filmmaking dreams. This episode sheds light on the importance of perseverance, the impact of supportive teachers, and the representation of working-class narratives in the arts.

00:00 Introduction to Not a Rich Kid Podcast

00:22 Meet Sandra Sciberras: From Streets to Film School

01:02 The Impact of Teachers and Film School Journey

01:26 Sandra's Filmography and Career Highlights

02:44 Early Life and Family Background

04:50 Growing Up in Melbourne's Commission Flats

07:36 Struggles and Realisations in High School

12:27 Discovering a Passion for Movies

14:32 Leaving Home and Life on the Streets

16:52 Returning Home and Finding Direction

21:20 Work Placement and Discovering Theater

27:48 Pursuing Film School and Early Career

40:27 Unexpected Opportunity in Sydney

41:48 The Challenges of Unpaid Work

43:45 First Funded Feature: Caterpillar Wish

45:32 Navigating the Film Industry

52:28 Balancing Art and Survival Jobs

57:02 Making a Sniper Movie

01:01:55 Reflections on Class and Mentorship

01:14:18 Encouraging Future Filmmakers

Get in touch:

Are you a working class person who wants to pursue a creative career but don't know where to start? Get in touch via instagram - we'd be happy to give you some advice.

Tell us who you would like to hear from. Is there someone we should invite on the podcast? Let us know!

The Not a Rich Kid Team:

• Kath Dolheguy
• Frankie Kanatas
• Sarah Ryan-Linstrom

Post audio - Mike Tillbrook

Theme song: ‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson.

Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:

• VCA who provided studio space
• City of Melbourne Arts Grants

Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants

FOLLOW US:

Not a Rich Kid - Instagram

Exploring 'Westgate' and Cinematic Nostalgia

In this episode of 'Not a Rich Kid Reviews,' the hosts discuss their impressions of two films: 'Westgate' and ‘Looking for Alibrandi.' 'Westgate,' directed by Adrian Ortega, follows an Italian Australian single mother, Netta, as she navigates life in Melbourne's working-class west in 1999. The film touches on themes of family, grief, and the aftermath of the Westgate Bridge collapse. The hosts also delve into their experience of watching the film 'Looking for Alibrandi' in 2000, highlighting its impact, memorable performances, and cultural authenticity. Discussions about cinematic techniques, audience behavior, and Melbourne's landscapes are interwoven throughout, offering a rich analysis of the films and their settings.

00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:24 Review of 'Westgate' 02:33 Discussion on 'Looking for Alibrandi' 09:45 Audience Behavior and Film Experience 12:39 Aspect Ratios in Film 15:10 Aspect Ratios and Cinematic Techniques 15:31 Commendable Performances and Production Challenges 16:16 Class Struggles and the Western Landscape 17:31 Personal Connections to On-Screen Imagery 20:02 The Westgate Bridge Collapse: A Forgotten Tragedy 23:27 Migrant Experiences and Authenticity 24:59 Franco Cozzo: A Cultural Icon 26:02 Festival Highlights and Final Thoughts

Get in touch:

Are you a working class person who wants to pursue a creative career but don't know where to start? Get in touch via instagram - we'd be happy to give you some advice.

Tell us who you would like to hear from. Is there someone we should invite on the podcast? Let us know!

The Not a Rich Kid Team:

• Kath Dolheguy
• Frankie Kanatas
• Sarah Ryan-Linstrom

Post audio - Mike Tillbrook

Theme song:

‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson.

Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:

• VCA who provided studio space
• City of Melbourne Arts Grants

Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants

FOLLOW US:

Not a Rich Kid - Instagram Navigating Class and Creativity with Nelly Thomas: A Deep Dive into Working-Class Realities

In this episode of 'Not a Rich Kid,' host Kath Dolheguy interviews Nelly Thomas, an award-winning comedian, author, broadcaster, and podcaster. The conversation delves into Nelly's experiences growing up in a working-class town in rural Western Australia, her journey through higher education, and her entry into stand-up comedy. They discuss the challenges of navigating class barriers, Nelly's advocacy for equity and inclusion, and her refusal to compromise her ethics for commercial success. Nelly shares candid insights into her career, including her work in welfare and homelessness services, and her observations on the disconnect between working-class realities and middle-class perceptions. The episode emphasises the importance of authentic representation and the resilience required to bridge class divides.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 Meet Nelly Thomas: A Multifaceted Creative

01:29 Nelly's Early Life and Class Experiences

10:00 University Life and Class Awareness

17:14 Transition to Comedy and Early Success

24:18 Navigating the Comedy Scene

27:30 Class and Politics in Comedy

35:42 The Illusion of Privilege

36:50 Affirmative Action and Workplace Dynamics

37:42 Misogyny Among Left-Wing Men

39:07 Navigating Identity and Class

45:23 The Chaos Theory of Career Development

53:42 Class and Privilege in Education

59:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Get in touch:

Are you a working class person who wants to pursue a creative career but don't know where to start? Get in touch via instagram - we'd be happy to give you some advice.

Tell us who you would like to hear from. Is there someone we should invite on the podcast? Let us know!

The Not a Rich Kid Team:

• Kath Dolheguy
• Frankie Kanatas
• Sarah Ryan-Linstrom

Post audio - Mike Tillbrook

Theme song:

‘Barry Michael Takes a Train’ by Sand Pebbles - Written & performed by Ben Michael and performed and mixed by Murray Ono Jamieson.

Not a Rich Kid would not be possible without the support of:

• VCA who provided studio space
• City of Melbourne Arts Grants

Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants