Documentary filmmaker, researcher.
I am a documentary filmmaker and explore stories on the edge of life, society and politics. I am currently researching a feature documentary of the intriguing life and work of a bohemian woman artist.
In 2018, over 600 paintings were discovered by demolition workers – in the attic and walls of a house in Prague. The signature was ‘Gertrud Kauders’. Who was she and why were they kept hidden?
In 1942, Gertrud was deported to Terezin and later murdered in Majdanek, Nazi occupied Poland. Her brother, Dr Hans Kauders had one son, Cornelius who was a refugee to New Zealand in 1939. He never spoke of his great aunt as a professional artist. Despite initial difficulties his 5 children have inherited this beautiful collection and museums and collectors are showing great interest in this unique slice of Bohemian German and Jewish history of art.
GEOFF DIXON | PORTRAITS OF US
Our feature documentary premiered at the NZ International Film Festival in 2022. It tells the story of a New Zealand born artist from Cairns and his relationship and life with his long term partner, indigenous artist Arone Meeks – both concerned with the impact of humans on the natural world, endangered birds and other species and the land itself.
I co-directed and co-produced this film with my with Glenis Giles – gogomedia AOTEAROA. View Trailer.
It is availalbe through RONIN Films distribution in Australasia and online at AROVISION.
Film and Media
In 2015 I was Digital Artist in Residence with The Big Idea collaborating with my son, designer Sam O’Leary , hospice workers, and creative practitioners on The Solace Initiative, where people showed or told what brings them solace in times of loss or grief.
I worked with American New Zealand artist Daisey Bingham and sculptor Bridget Nawalowalo to show the story of their redesign of the entranceway to the Wellington Homeless women’s shelter, Te Mahana, the warmth of the home.
My short film Music for Life explores the power of music in the lives of people living with dementia, with music therapist Rani Heath in association with Dementia NZ (Wellington branch)
Text or Email me
Mobile 0064 273788466 E: olearyclare@gmail.com
The personal is political
I grew up in Orakei, Tāmaki Makau Rau (Auckland) overlooking Rangitoto Island and Okahu Bay. I have four siblings. Our parents died in 1968 when I was nine and we were informally adopted by our fathers eldest brother. Being part of a big Irish Catholic working class family and community instilled in me a strong sense of social justice.
I initially trained as a nurse and went on to work in youth and community health education and health promotion including HIV/AIDs sexual health and community health.
I got the storytelling bug when as a member of Women’s Community Media, we made a film about teenage pregnancy, using streetkids and youth workers to write the script from their lived experiences.
Research and Consulting
I completed a Masters in Communications degree at Victoria University of Wellington focused on digital content and gender issues and went on to work across the creative economy, cluster methodology and digital innovation.
I was the first Digital Content Manager at NZTE facilitating many workshops and symposia on the interface between creative and critical thinking and the emerging digital sector including, games, design thinking and films.
I worked on national and sector strategies with NZTE , National Library of NZ and NZ On Air and digitla content economic reports with economists NZEIR.
In 2008 I was the founding Content Director of NZ On Screen and established ScreenTalk. Further film work can be viewed on these sites here.
Research and Practice – in bereavement
I I worked Mary Potter Hospice and for three years on a national campaign, tō tatou reo, advance care planning, to encourage conversations and communication about death and dying with Māori, Pacific, Asian and LGBGTQI+ voices recognising diverse needs and rituals of our cultures and communities.
During this time I also worked with the Mental Health & Addiction team at HQSC to gather lived experience of seclusion in mental health facilities. The bravery of people telling their authentic stories is humbling and powerful.
I am currently involved in a research project at the Faculty of Health, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, working towards improving the coronial process for whānau bereaved by sudden death of a loved one. This is funded for three years through the Health Research Council lead by Dr Clive Aspin.
I live with my partner Cathy in Breaker Bay, Wellington and have a son Samuel who is an artist /designer living in Portland Oregon with his wife and musician Stephanie Joy Hartono O’Leary and three gorgeous children.
Governance | Boards
I am currently the NZ representative on the International Committee for LGBT+ History Months founded by history teacher Rodney C Wilson – inspired by Black History Month and Women’s History Months – to reposition lgbgtqi+ voices in our classrooms and history books.
As the NZ representative I co-curated our first Queer History Month Aotearoa in July this year, in partnership with the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa.
Past Trustee Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa.
Past Trustee St Joseph’s Home of Compassion Board during a time of transition and governance shifts.
Film & Literature & Review Board – Ministerial appointment, four years (2007-2011).
Other Creative Projects & Films
LINKS