John Hughes

Dr John Hughes

  • Post Nominals: FAHA
  • Fellow Type: Honorary Fellow
  • Elected to the Academy: 2016

Biography

A writer, producer, director in film and television, John Hughes’ formally innovative and research driven documentary projects engage with Australian labour history, Indigenous rights, film and art history among other topics. Most recent credits as producer and director of documentaries for festivals, cinema and broadcast include Twilight Time (2024), Senses of Cinema 90 minutes, SBS), Peace Pilgrims (2021, ABC TV), Love & Fury (ABC, 2013, 2014), Indonesia Calling (ABC, 90 minutes, 2009), The Archive Project (ABC, 2006 98 minutes). Among industry and critical awards John is the recipient of the Stanley Hawes Award (2006), Joan Long Award, achievement in film history (2006), Australian Writer’s Guild Best Broadcast Documentary (2010), NSW Premier’s History Prize (audio-visual) 2007, Critics Circle Best Feature Documentary (2006 & 2022) Hughes produced and directed several series of TV ‘micro-docs’ – (Take 5 and Hidden Treasures 2000-2008) and short films for SBS and ABC TV (The Art of War; 2005; An Unstoppable Force 2008). Hughes was Commissioning Editor, Documentary with SBS Independent (1998-2001) He was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 2017. The Films of John Hughes: a history of independent screen production in Australia (Cumming, 2014) is published by ATOM. Website: www.earlyworks.com.au

Acknowledgement of Country

The Australian Academy of the Humanities recognises Australia’s First Nations Peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of this land, and their continuous connection to country, community and culture.