As screen industry professionals, getting quality time with investors, producers and distributors usually means traveling to the other side of the country, shelling out hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars on conference registrations and accommodation and trying to grab what time you can when you can. 

Well, this year at Rev, we’ve done our bit to lighten that load and provide the opportunity for local writers, directors, producers and screen artists to spend time with some people who are looking for works to produce and meet locals. 

On Thursday and Friday festival guest Julie Ryan, from Cyan Films, Ari Harrison (Head of Acquisitions, Umbrella Entertainment) and NZ-based international sales and producer, Michael Kraetzer (Black Mandala ) will be available for 20-minute meetings to discuss your project, strategy or progress in getting your work to the screen.

BIOS

Julie Ryan (Julie's schedule is now full)
Julie Ryan is a prolific award winning Australian feature film producer who has produced 16 feature films over her 20+ year career with many of her films being officially selected for all of the A List international film festivals. Her achievements include "H is for Happiness" which received a Special Mention at Berlin FF 2020, and won the prestigious Cinefest Oz Film Prize; “Hotel Mumbai”, the most successful Australian film to release internationally in 2019; the Australian box office smash hit “Red Dog” in 2011; and “Ten Canoes”, the Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize winner at Cannes FF 2006. 

Julie was the Executive Producer on the award winning SXSW selected horror film “Late Night With The Devil”, and in March 2023, she formed an official producing partnership with Ari Harrison and his production company Sanctuary Pictures. Their first feature film “Penny Lane is Dead” is shooting in May 2025 in Adelaide. Julie is also Executive Producer on David Robinson-Smith’s latest short film “The Shirt Off Your Back” scheduled for release in 2025.

Ari Harrison:
Ari Harrison is the General Manager at the Australasian Film Distribution company: Umbrella Entertainment and the Director and Owner of production company: Sanctuary Pictures and Online AVOD Streaming Company: Brollie Entertainment.

As one of Australia’s leading independent film distributors, Umbrella manages rights for film content spanning multiple platforms, including Theatrical, VOD, Home Entertainment, TV and Ancillary. In his role as the company’s General Manager, Ari is across all of these areas, with specific emphasis on determining the financial and artistic viability of both local and international productions for theatrical release.

Ari is a Producer of Penny Lane is Dead (2026) and Short film The Shirt off your Back (2025). He is Executive and Co-Producer on various Australian feature films including upcoming; WE BURY THE DEAD, LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS, TALK TO ME, THE SURVIVAL OF KINDNESS, YOU’LL NEVER FIND ME. SPEEDWAY, THE MOOGAI and More.

Ari has been involved in development, financing, production and distribution.

Michael Kraetzer:
Michael has been active in the film industry since 1993, founding multiple distribution companies across Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. After years in distribution, his production career began in 2007, with standout titles such as the cult horror Inbred (2011) and Nightmare Radio (2019), which earned accolades like “Anthology of the Year” and a Top 10 Films of 2019 ranking. He has produced films across New Zealand, the UK, Germany, France, and the USA. Michael serves as Co-CEO alongside filmmaker Nicolas Onetti at BLACK MANDALA, a distinguished production and international sales agency based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Under their leadership, the company has successfully produced notable films, including "1978" and "PLAY DEAD," both of which have garnered numerous awards at festivals around the globe. Michael's dedication to cinematic excellence and international collaboration continues to enhance BLACK MANDALA's reputation in the film industry.