Philippa Hawker

Outlet/s: I have written over the past 12 months for The Saturday Paper, Metrograph Journal, Australian Book Review, The Age, The Big Issue, Framework and Rough Cut.

Instagram: @philippixels

X: @philippics

Location: Naarm/Melbourne 

Movie location I call home: Room 2046.

What was the film or experience that made you want to write about the screen?
A teacher showing us La Jetée in my first year of high school.

What do you think are the major issues facing contemporary film criticism?
There are fewer places interested in publishing good and interesting criticism.

How can film criticism stay vital in 2024?
By keeping going.

What’s one piece of advice that you’d give an emerging critic today?
Read criticism from other art forms. (And read for pleasure as often as you can.)

Who’s a critic that has inspired you?
Several years ago I did a weeklong dance critics’ workshop with Deborah Jowitt, who wrote for the Village Voice for many years, and I found that really inspiring. Lots of small things that helped me focus and think about how to pay attention.

Who’s a critic that everyone should be reading right now? Shaad D’Souza

What’s the best thing you’ve seen this year so far? Evil Does Not Exist

What’s your MIFF 2024 theme music? Sky Ferreira’s ‘I Blame Myself’.