Renée is an Australian writer and director whose work is rooted in powerful, narrative-driven visual storytelling and often tackles intimate, sensitive subject matter. Renée began directing branded and short form content in New York shortly after attending NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts for Film and TV Production. Before that, she spent several years living in Beijing, China, a background that has strongly shaped her distinct perspective and creative style.
In 2021 Renée directed the original dark comedy mini-series A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GRIEF for Kojo and SBS, with support from Screen Australia and the SA Film Corporation, with the series winning the 2022 AACTA for Best Digital Series. Renée is also developing her first feature film; an adaptation of Anna Spargo-Ryan’s acclaimed novel THE GULF, which she will write and direct for James Brown and Robyn Kershaw.
Renée’s short form works have been featured by numerous publications including Huffington Post, Dazed magazine, The Hammer Museum, Booooooom TV, Director’s Notes and Vimeo Staff Picks. Her short film, THE LAST LINE, premiered at the 2018 Austin Film Festival and played in festivals such as the Oxford Film Festival, Manchester Film Festival and the Miami Short Film Festival. Her other recent short film THE MAKING OF PANTHERA received the audience award at the 2019 Nitehawk Film Festival and a Vimeo Staff Pick, played at NewFest and Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival and was a Webby Award Honoree.
Renée is proud to have been involved in films that promote important positive messaging, including fierce and emotional anthem spots for The Woman’s Hospital of Texas and March of Dimes, as well as collaborations with non-profit organizations such as Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels, Educated Little Monsters and Brave. Whether working with real people or actors, Renée’s work achieves authenticity combined with rich, beautiful cinematography and impeccable attention to detail.
Website: https://www.reneemao.com/
