Producer: Alexandra Chambers, ALC Creative
Writer/ Co-Producer: Sarah Moon, Moonlight Motion Pictures
Director: Margaret Thanos
Rebecca, a young woman in her 20’s, is lost and broken after her recent dealings with psychologist Christine. She seeks out Abigail, Christine’s estranged daughter, in an effort to connect with somebody who might understand her pain.
Life Beyond Christine makes a statement about abuse of power – something we’re learning to recognise more and more as a society. It also raises awareness around mental health by giving a raw depiction of what struggle looks like behind closed doors.
We (the creative team) are passionate about breaking down barriers and helping people to feel less alone in their struggles. This film ultimately shows how connection – opening up to others – can help us to heal.
*Life Beyond Christine is currently in post-production, with filming completed in March 2023.
Meet the Team:
ALEXANDRA CHAMBERS (ALC CREATIVE) – PRODUCER
Beginning her career as a performer, Alexandra has worn many hats in the performing arts industry. She first stepped into producing in 2015 with a successful run of History the Musical, followed closely by The Great Divorce in 2016.
On the back of the 2020 lockdown, with a series of new projects in the works, Alexandra finally took the leap and founded ALC Creative: a boutique production company for emerging artists.
The Snow Angel of Antarctica (2022) marked the first production under the banner of this company, as well as Alexandra’s directorial debut. Other projects include Labyrinth (Dream Plane Productions, 2022) and Grimloch, a radio drama anthology series, with other projects to be explored further over the coming year.
MARGARET THANOS – DIRECTOR
Margaret Thanos is an award-winning Cypriot-Australian director for theatre and film based across London and Sydney.
In 2022, Margaret directed the Australian premiere of Labyrinth by Beth Steel at Flight Path and the world premiere of A Grain of Sand by Declan Coyle at KXT, both to rave reviews. Her debut short film, Through the Window They Came, is currently in post-production. Margaret is the Co-Artistic Director of Meraki Arts Bar, a three-level arts venue in Sydney, and was recently awarded the prestigious Sandra Bates Director’s Award at Ensemble Theatre. Other works include The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?, Jim Got Shot and Project XXX at SUDS. Her short film, Sugar High, was selected for the Sydney Underground Film Festival showcase in 2020. She has Assistant Directing credits on The Cherry Orchard (Chippen St), Bathory Begins (Q Theatre), This Genuine Moment (Old 505), Animal Farm (New Theatre), The Originate Project (Q Theatre) and The Linden Solution (KXT and Ratcatch).
Margaret is also an activist, with a particular focus on gender equality and climate change. An activist for Plan International, she is also affiliated with several other organisations helping make the world a better place. Her production company Queen Hades Productions works to find the intersections between activism and art.
SARAH MOON – CO-PRODUCER/WRITER/REBECCA
Sarah Moon is an actress, writer and filmmaker seeking to share written and visual content that inspires, connects and educates.
An actress first, Sarah has 10+ years of experience in film and theatre, her television debut being in documentary mini-series Mná Díbeartha in 2010. Originally from Tasmania, Sarah trained at the prestigious Kogan Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, graduating as both an actor and director in 2015.
She established a professional presence in London, with credits including Men Should Weep, Abigail’s Party, Rabbit Hole and Extremities. Directing credits include Five Finger Exercise, Vampire Nights (Camden Fringe, 2016) and Beknown To You, the latter two of which she also wrote.
Sarah relocated to Sydney in 2017, where she continued to train as an actress under the tutelage of renowned actors and coaches, including Anthony Brandon Wong and Chum Ehelepola. Notable Australian credits include an appearance on Discovery Channel’s Deadly Women, commercials for Optimum Nutrition, Finder.com and Anglicare and the lead in the award-winning independent film Unbarred.
Sarah returned to screenwriting amidst 2020 lockdowns and founded Moonlight, which encompasses her work as a writer and filmmaker. Life Beyond Christine marks the debut production of Moonlight Motion Pictures.
Sarah is represented by Suzie Steen Management.
LEILANI LOAU – CHRISTINE
Leilani will be playing the title role of Christine Hallaway.
Leilani Loau (she/her) is a Sydney-based actor. Theatre credits include The Comedy of Errors (Bell Shakespeare), Breaking the Code, Birdland, Marat/Sade (New Theatre), and Seagull (Secret House). Leilani’s training includes work with Anthony Brandon Wong, Anthony Skuse, Lisa Robertson, Miranda Harcourt, Les Chantery, The Hub Studio, and Darlo Drama.
Leilani is a proud member of MEAA.
ROSE STUNZNER – ABIGAIL
Rose was born and raised in central Queensland on a large cattle property outside of Rockhampton. With very little television reception and only basic dial-up internet, Rose found entertainment by listening to her grandfather tell her stories of his life growing up in Samoa. This prompted her to begin making up her own stories. Thus, her love for performance and creating was born.
Performing and storytelling has always been the driving force behind Rose’s passion for the arts. Over the years, Rose has found a deep love for acting, singing and writing. Before her studies at Actors Centre Australia (ACA), Rose was involved with the local theatre in Rockhampton. Some of her roles include Shelby in Steel Magnolias (Dir. Con Galvin), Helena in Midsummer Night’s Dream (Dir. Travis Dowling) and Jay in Rockpocaypse (Dir. Travis Hock.)
Rose went on to pursue her study of stage and screen acting at ACA, where she was involved in several projects. Notable roles include Natalya Petrovna in A Month in the Country (Dir. Maeliosa Stafford), Kitty Consent (Dir. Katy Fitzgerald), Edward/Betty Cloud 9 (Dir. Crystabel Sved), and reviving her role as Helena in Midsummer Nights Dream (Dir. Claudia Barrie).