Sydney Film Festival Interview: Ellis Park director Justin Kurzel on being in the orbit of Warren Ellis

Director Justin Kurzel has crafted a filmography built on exploring the impact of trauma and violence on a nation. Whether it be his excoriating debut film Snowtown or the acts of cautionary storytelling with Nitram and The Order, Kurzel’s work questions how violence and trauma lingers in our bodies, our minds, and in our lands. That’s a notion that he explores with impressive strength with his first foray into documentary filmmaking, Ellis Park.

There’s catharsis in Ellis Park, partially because of Warren Ellis and his healing violin, but – as the man says himself – his presence is minimal compared to the presence of Femke and the conservationists. Yet, when paired with Kurzel and editor Nick Fenton, they collectively bring light to a horrifying trade that scars the environment. I’m shaken by Ellis Park because of its presentation of trauma, but equally so for its depiction of empathy, consideration, and support.

This is, oddly, my first time talking to Justin Kurzel. Having listened to and read countless interviews by him, I was aware that I would be engaging with someone who is a deeply empathetic soul, yet I was still left disarmed by his connection to his openness about his connection to his work, his family, and to the art of cinema.

To support the film, Warren Ellis and Justin Kurzel will be running Q&A sessions around the nation. All of the details are in the show notes, but make sure to pick up tickets in advance when the film kicks off with a virtual Q&A with Warren Ellis at Perth’s Luna Leederville cinemas on 5 June, concluding with a Sydney Film Festival and Vivid Sydney exclusive event on 8 June at the State Theatre. Ellis Park then releases wide across Australia on 12 June 2025.

The Ellis Park sanctuary is part of the Jakarta Animal Aid Network, a non-government, non-profit organisation that was established in 2004 to protect Indonesian wildlife, with a focusing on animal cruelty and rescuing animals from the noxious illegal animal trade network. To support the organisation, visit EllisPark.org.

For the month of June 2025, every dollar from Patreon will be sent as a donation to Ellis Park sanctuary, so please consider joining and supporting the Curb and the sanctuary.

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