ABOUT MY WORK

Marcelle has recently finished post-production on her debut dramatic feature film ADDITION with Made Up Stories and Buon Giorno Productions – a bold romantic dramedy starring Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies), Joe Dempsie (Skins, GOT) and Eamon Farren (The Witcher, Twin Peaks) based on the novel by Toni Jordan and about to be released in 2024 through Roadshow and WME.

Her debut feature documentary HABANA SHAKES, lensed by Mexican/British rising star cinematographer Luis Posada, edited by the immensely talented Joelle Baudet, with sound design by much-lauded Liam Egan, won Best Film at its world premiere in the 2023 Byron Bay International Film Festival. “Habana Shakes” was one of the first ten films unveiled for Doc Edge Film Festival, 2024 (New Zealand’s Academy Award-qualifying international documentary film festival).

Palace Cinema synopsis:
“Habana Shakes” takes viewers on a rhythm-filled odyssey spanning ten vibrant days in Havana, a pulsating island city teetering on the edge of transformation. This film, infused with a lyrical heart, serves not just as a homage to the spirited Cuban youth culture, but also provides an enlightening and intimate window into the dynamic worlds of Maya, Yojany, Yelda, Teresita, and Lejardi.

Through their eyes—a skater carving through streets, a tattoo artist reimagining tradition, an actor channelling raw emotion, a ballerina defying gravity, and an electronica DJ feeling the beat of the city—we begin to explore a profound question: What aspirations do these young Cubans hold for their nation, and how might these differ or echo the dreams and hopes of their parents’ generation?

Enhanced by an eclectic soundtrack featuring talents like Ivan Lejardi, Wichy De Vedado, Benny Moré, and a host of other influential musicians, “Habana Shakes” presents an expansive and visually immersive experience of a Cuba that stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

‘I ADORE this movie! What an incredible piece of art. Totally nourished my soul’
– Emily Carr – screenwriter and journalist

‘An eye-opening and invigorating portrait of a Cuba never seen on screen.’
– Dov Kornits – FilmInk Senior Editor/Film Writer

‘Habana Shakes is a sensory feast, capturing a moment in time in the lives of a group of young artists in Castro’s Cuba. Immerse yourself in the music, dance and culture of this vibrant, beautifully made documentary that can proudly stand alongside Buena Vista Social Club as a testament to the extraordinary talent of new generation Cubans.’
– Amanda Brown, Composer

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In 2022 Marcelle directed the prestige, 9 episode, unscripted series ‘UNDRESSED with KATHRYN EISMAN’ for Made Up Stories, MMG, Channel Ten and Paramount+.

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From trailblazing music video director to international commercials, broadcast, content and film – Marcelle is known for stunning visuals, surprising details and warm, natural performances. As an award-winning Kiwi-Australian, multi-disciplinary, director-designer, she brings swag, style and down-to-earth humour to all she does in live-action, animation or both. Marcelle is that rare combination of visual artist and filmmaker, while her prolific work covers campaigns for many international brands.

Passionate about film, and with a love of a smart story paired with great visuals, she’s also developing and attached to slate of feature film projects; LITTLE EAGLE  a sexy, gritty insightful coming through loss story of 22yr old feisty former track star Marlee written by Ben O’Donnell, a fabulist runaway love story and dramedy MARGINALIA, written by Gene Geoffrey, set in the aftermath of a disastrous earthquake at the foot of the Southern Alps, UDO, an animated feature film about a teen cat grappling with her many lives with writer Emily Carr, and SHE’S GOTTA PLAY; a feature length documentary film promising a unique, noisy, exuberant, playful and energised examination of the creative drive and unstoppable spirit of women in indie music in New Zealand, Australia and the world from the 90s until now.

Marcelle’s work for ABC and Justine Clarke’s  I LIKE TO SING (children’s DVD) is one of the ABC’s biggest sellers and her short documentary ‘MESSENGER’ on Australia’s first Aboriginal pop star Jimmy Little, screened at the 2000 Sao Paolo International Film Festival and local festival circuit in Australia.

Marcelle is listed among the Australian Masters of Motion and her awards include; Best Film “Habana Shakes”, Byron Bay International Film Festival, Best Female Director, Rome Music Video Awards 2022, Promax BDA Silver, Promax BDA Bronze for CCTV China Channel Branding, Rolling Stone Critic’s Choice Best Director, Australian Music Industry Award for Best Director, Rolling Stone’s Critic’s Choice for Best Video “Souleater”/Clouds and she was nominated as one of Australia’s 100 Spirited Women in New Woman Magazine.

Marcelle has also taught film, animation, design, interactive media, high-end production and emerging tech at AIT, Sydney.