Ella Bourne is an Australian filmmaker whose work blends stunning visual storytelling with a deep commitment to the environment. Growing up along the rugged coastline of Victoria, Ella developed a lifelong connection to the ocean, which serves as both the muse and the heartbeat of her films.
Her work often reflects the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world, with a focus on sustainability and feminine perspectives.
Her debut film, Great Ocean Love, a poetic exploration of the Great Ocean Road and Bass Strait Ocean, garnered acclaim for its immersive cinematography and thought-provoking narrative. It’s screened globally in France, the US, Australia, Italy and Chile.Her dedication to environmental causes and the promotion of women in cinema has made her one to watch in both the Australian industry and the US where she resides.
Ella’s filmmaking journey began with a strong focus on ocean conservation and female-led narratives. Her breakout project, Awoke, was a bold exploration of self-discovery and empowerment, while her surf documentary Great Ocean Love celebrates both the beauty of the Australian coastline and the vital need for ocean preservation.
Her film Bobo, a comedy, centered around the experiences of two young women navigating money and relationships, showcased Ella’s versatility in storytelling and her passion for amplifying female voices. Most recently, she directed Rag & Bone, an indie drama penned by US writer Cameron Case, which delves into themes of resilience, and human connection.
Ella is excited to continue her work on female-led projects, with her next directorial venture being Dessert Dreams, a project written by Eve Cuccuro and starring both Cuccuro and Lacey Buchanan.
Through her films, Ella aims to inspire audiences to reflect on their relationship with nature, while giving a platform to diverse female perspectives in the industry. She believes that cinema is a powerful tool for change, and is committed to telling stories that matter and fostering more inclusive, sustainable narratives.
