Genevieve Clay-Smith

Genevieve Clay-Smith is an Australian director and writer who is known for making inclusive films and telling stories that carefully knit together pathos and humor. She began her career at the age of 18 when she was hired to make a documentary for the not-for-profit organization, Down Syndrome N.S.W. Since then she has been a dedicated advocate for inclusion, authentic casting and diversity in the film and media industries. Her work has been screened at the United Nations and has won over sixty awards. She first rose to national attention in 2009 when she won Best Film at Tropfest, Australia's largest short film festival with her critically acclaimed and inclusively made student film, Be My Brother. To date her work delicately explores themes to do with social prejudice, isolation, reconciliation, the family unit, disability, and the refugee experience.