Clare Dunne writes her own script for success with the Irish indie Herself, Who Magazine, July 12, 2021

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Actress Claire Dunne co-wrote and stars in Herself, a hopeful drama that fuses her research on surviving domestic violence with the Irish cultural ideal of maitheal. I spoke with her about it for Who Magazine in their July 12, 2021 issue.

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How Richard Chew and other film pioneers raised Asian American visibility, a special Motion Picture Editors Guild panel, May 15, 2021

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The Pan Pacific Asian Steering Committee of the Motion Picture Editors Guild held a panel on May 15, 2021, with Richard Chew, ACE, William Hoy, ACE, and Lisa Lassek, moderated by Edie Ichioka, ACE. I enjoyed learning from them and covering the panel for Cinemontage.

Mojean Aria is back home to pass on what he knows

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The ‘See’ actor returns to Sydney with an initiative for more Middle Eastern / North African representation in film and television

Mojean Aria. Photo by Kane Skennar.

Mojean Aria. Photo by Kane Skennar.

Coming off successful roles in the Apple+ sci-fi drama See and SBS crime thriller Dead Lucky, Mojean Aria returned from his professional base in the U.S. to his hometown of Sydney with another film under his belt (the upcoming Reminiscence with Hugh Jackman) and a thriving career.

That’s when The Australian Institute for Performing Arts, called. They asked Aria, 28, to teach a multi-day masterclass at the place where he and peers Eliza Scanlen, Danielle Macdonald and Liv Hewson honed their craft. “It means a lot,” Aria says. “AIPA has been a massive part of my foundation, especially in creating a gateway to go to Los Angeles, which initially felt unrealistic and they made it feasible.”

But Aria had one wish before he committed to the gig — a chance to see someone like him amongst his students. So he worked with the Institute’s director of logistics, Marg Haynes, to create a scholarship specifically for Middle Eastern and North African youth that would cover tuition, room and board for the six-day, five-night residential program happening mid-December in Stanwell Tops, just south of Sydney.

“AIPA has always been a safe place for all to train,” he says, “but the issue, I think, is that a lot of these immigrant and first-generation communities in Australia don't believe film, arts or entertainment is even an option for them, or that they would feel safe in those teaching environments.

“I know first-hand as I have two films happening here with very diverse casts that we have a strong need for Australian actors from all backgrounds,” Aria adds, “but we aren't developing them at the same rate. My hope is that word about this scholarship can spread and won’t just give one lucky person the scholarship, but that it will inspire other people to come to the arts.”

The son of Iranian immigrants, Aria channeled his rebellious childhood energy into acting and discovered that he had an aptitude and deep interest in the craft. However, being the only person of colour amongst his peers “built barriers that were hard to break through,” he admits. “As soon as someone asked me where my name was from, and I'd say, ‘Iran,’ I could feel how the energy often shifted. It mainly came from ignorance, of course, as the same things they feared about Iran, so did I!”

While he studied diligently in classes at NIDA and Metro Screen and learned to make friends, Aria could not find roles that interested him in Australia, nor did casting directors seem ready to take a chance on him. “I wasn't going to fit the mould,” he says. “I was, and still am, inspired by American actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino who could weave their ethnicities into something global and dynamic.” 

He moved to Los Angeles in his late teens. Aria’s early work in theatre and short films would gain acclaim, leading to his receiving the 2017 Heath Ledger Scholarship from the Australians in Film foundation. Further industry support allowed him access to top management and a longstanding kinship with an acting legend.

“I’ve kept in touch with Kim, Heath’s father, to let him know that, ‘Hey, I’ve booked this role,’ or, ‘Hey, I might do this film,’ or, ‘Hey, I’m here, or I’m there,’” Aria says. “I feel it’s important. He has put his soul and his work on the line to give me an opportunity and I should let him know of any opportunity that I can, that it is not for nothing and that I am representing that legacy to the best of my ability and I will hold true to my promises.”

Aria (far right) in a scene with Yoson An and Rachel Griffiths in the series Dead Lucky. Photo courtesy of SBS.

Aria (far right) in a scene with Yoson An and Rachel Griffiths in the series Dead Lucky. Photo courtesy of SBS.

Among his recent Australian projects was Dead Lucky with Rachel Griffiths. “Working with Rachel was awesome,” Aria says. “It was a new experience at that time working with someone of that calibre and I learnt so much from how she navigated herself through the set.”

As for Jason Momoa, the star of See, “not enough can be said about how great he is and how many people I've seen him bring up and support,” Aria says. “We've worked together a couple of times and I'm sure we'll be working together again. The thing I always remember about J is sitting with him on a mountain in Canada while he's playing bass between set-ups. We were talking about Aquaman—it hadn't come out yet—and we were discussing how it would be received and boom! When it came out, everything changed and seeing how he dealt with all of that first-hand was a joy.”

Now Aria can share his own passion at The Acting for Screen Masterclass. “Students will work with me every day, as well as top industry professionals from America who will be Zooming in to teach, give advice, and offer guidance and invaluable feedback,” he says.

Aimed at students between 12-20 years old, classes begin Friday, Dec. 18 and continue through Dec. 22. The scholarship is open to applicants through midnight on Sunday, Dec. 13; those interested should call AIPA on +61 (0) 412 736 977 to register. 

“You will be asked to record on your phone or camera a brief introduction about yourself, why you would like to do the class, what acting means to you, and then you will perform a short piece that will be emailed in a link as soon as you register,” Aria explains. “There is no cost to apply.”

Mojean Aria says that establishing this scholarship and offering his services as an instructor are part of the principles he learned when he received the Heath Ledger Scholarship. “Australia has produced some of the best actors of all time in Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Heath Ledger, Joel Edgerton, Naomi Watts and many, many more,” he adds. “I'm excited for us to find and help develop our Al Pacinos, Robert De Niros, Rami Maleks, Viola Davises, Lupita Nyong'os, Riz Ahmeds and such. We do have some who are coming up on the scene, which is great, and I'm thrilled because I think this scholarship will further inspire youth.” 

#MENAScholarshipAIPA


Penelope Ann Miller reveals the lessons she's learnt in Foxtel's November 2020 issue

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From Broadway to Carlito’s Way, the actress has had roles in many genres. Now starring in The College Admissions Scandal, she is passing on her acting passion to the next generation.

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Nicky Whelan is living in the moment, WHO May 18, 2020

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Neighbours star Nicky Whelan has found success in LA with a good mix of comedy and drama. She gives a preview of her latest film, The Binge, and talks about life in quarantine.

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Daniel Craig looks back on Bond and the role that defined his career

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What is it about James Bond that has kept Daniel Craig in that role for so long, and what special touches has the actor contributed to the legendary character? I explore that in my first story for Foxtel Magazine.

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Knives Out and The ARIA Awards, TV WEEK Nov 23-29, 2019

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This week, we look at Rian Johnson’s whodunnit Knives Out and other faves of the genre (who doesn’t love Murder By Death?), and offer a preview of the ARIA Awards.

Freddie Highmore, The Veronicas, Total Control, Charlie's Angels and more, TV WEEK Nov 9-15, 2019

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Charlie’s Angels gets updated! I also commission David Michael Brown to look into gearhead biopics with the release of Ford V. Ferrari. Freddie Highmore breaks down the new season of The Good Doctor. Also, I talk to the Veronicas about their first reality series, In My Blood, and Debbie Cuell about her show, One Born Every Minute Australia. Teasers for The Mandalorian, Catherine the Great, and Total Control.

Remy Hii, Years And Years, Total Control, His Dark Materials and more, TV WEEK Nov 2-8, 2019

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This week, I speak to Australian Actor Remy Hii about his work in Spider-Man: Far From Home, and preview Years And Years, Total Control, Catherine the Great (with a brief Richard Roxburgh chat) and His Dark Materials.

Total Control, Cold Feet, Frayed, Ready Or Not and more, TV WEEK Oct 26-Nov 1, 2019

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This week, I spoke with Mike Bullen about his show Cold Feet, wrote up Ready or Not in Entertainment along with a few other films, and tease new episodes of Total Control, Frayed and Morning Wars. My interview with Harry Richardson sits with the Total Control teaser, and I have a separate profile with Deborah Mailman.

Total Control, The Name of the Rose with John Turturro, Georgina Haig, TV WEEK Oct 12-18, 2019

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We start with a preview of new ABC series Total Control, then go into an interview with John Turturro about The Name of the Rose, plus a few entertainment blurbs. Then a chat with Georgina Haig about Secret Bridesmaids’ Business.

Dave Hughes, Secret Bridesmaids' Business, Glitch finale, Ride Like a Girl, and more, TV WEEK Sep 28-Oct 4, 2019

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Lots this week! I talk to Dave Hughes about The Masked Singer Australia, get a peek at new Seven drama Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, salute the end of Glitch, preview Rachel Griffiths’ Ride Like a Girl movie, talk to Russel Howcroft on How Australia Got Its Mojo and tease a new season of Love It or List It Australia.

The Goldfinch, Nekrotronic, Glitch and US Survivor, TV WEEK Sep 21-27, 2019

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I had fabulous chats with Ben O’Toole and Kiah Roache-Turner for Nekrotronic. For more with Ben, click here, and for more with Kiah on his casting Monica Belucci, click here. I also previewed The Goldfinch and this week’s episode of Glitch, and tease the arrival of Survivor: Island of the Idols. To read my interview with Sarah Snook for Succession, see her separate entry.

Downton Abbey movie, Pilot Week, Hard Quiz, Kerry Armstrong and Scooby Doo, TV WEEK Sep 7-13, 2019

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Michelle Dockery takes us behind the scenes of the Downton Abbey movie, Maddie and I look at Network 10’s latest crop of shows for Pilot Week, and Kerry Armstrong talks about Seachange. I also tease the latest episodes of Hard Quiz and Scooby Doo.

Celia Ireland profile, Palm Beach preview, TV WEEK Aug 10-16, 2019

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Clare Rigden wrote up my chat with Celia Ireland on the end of her time on Wentworth, while I spoke with Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi about their film Palm Beach. For my profile of The Hunting’s Asher Keddie, check out the TV WEEK tab under Telling Stories on this site.

Pamela Rabe interview, AHS: Apocalypse DVS teaser, TV WEEK Aug 3-9, 2019

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Thomas Mitchell wrote up my Pamela Rabe chat while I was out of the office. She talks The Hunting and Wentworth, while in the Entertainment section, we look at the DVD release of American Horror Story: Apocalypse.