Thomas Ryan

I'm Thomas Ryan! I'm a writer/director of short films and documentaries, currently living in Muswellbrook, NSW, Australia. I have a passion for filmmaking and storytelling with a particular focus on themes of self-image, denial, and identity. I find a specific fascination in the more cerebral side of anxiety, and the ways in which characters can rationalise their fears and the ways in which we run from them. 

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My projects typically aim to escalate the humour and absurdity found within even the smallest exchanges or situations. I am particularly motivated by surrealist storytelling practices and ambiguity, as I believe that the purpose of telling stories is to allow the audience to take away the messages that are most personally valuable to them. 

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I also enjoy the process of documentary. My work in this area particularly revolves around the use of small, individual, and personal stories being used to paint a wider picture in place of purely historical information. I believe that in many cases, these types of stories are far more effective at situating real people within the wider subject and allowing audiences to relate on a base human level. Oftentimes, instilling feelings and connections is far more important to me than a straightforward narrative.

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In 2024, I was lucky enough to join the NSW Horizons regional mentorship program, which has led me to take a more focused interest in regional filmmaking, despite the additional challenges it may pose. I look forward to finding new ways to create the types of heightened yet grounded stories and characters that I enjoy putting forward.