John Polson

JOHN POLSON

Australian-born actor and director John Polson began working with The Sydney Theatre Company as an actor in 1983. Three years later he had landed his first substantial film role, playing the lead in the mini-series Vietnam. The experience inspired him to consider directing as a career option. Before long, he directed his first short film, An Evening With Herman.

Starting small in the director's chair, Polson continued to act in film projects until 1990 when he returned to the stage to play Hamlet in the debut production of the Bell Shakespeare Company. He toured the east coast of Australia with the show for six months before leaving to do more film and television work.

In the early 1990s Polson went to the Tropicana Caffe to screen his short film for cast, crew and friends. The film, entitled Surry Hills: 902 Spring Roll, drew an amazing 200 people. Inspired by the turn out, John decided that a short film festival was the next step. In 1993, the Tropicana Short Film Festival (Tropfest) was born and today it is the largest Festival for Short Films in Australia. In February, each year, Polson takes time off from his busy schedule to take on the role of Festival Director.

He made his feature film directorial debut in 1999 with Siam Sunset, which was included in an array of international film festivals. He then jumped back in front of the camera to portray in the blockbuster action film Mission: Impossible II (2000).

Polson is also the Founder of TropNest, a writer's centre situated on the Fox Studios lot in Sydney. In November 1997, he received the Byron Kennedy Award for his contribution to the Australian film industry.

Filmography (director):

Swimfan (2002)
Siam Sunset (1999)
What's Going On, Frank? (1994)

Filmography (actor):

Mission: Impossible II (2000)
The Boys (1997)
Idiot Box (1996)
Audacious (1995)
Back of Beyond (1995)
Stitched (1995)
Gino (1994)
What's Going On, Frank? (1994)
The Sum of Us (1994)
Sirens (1994)
Raw Nerve (1990)
Prisoners of the Sun (1990)
Candy Regentag (1989)
Tender Hooks (1989)
Dangerous Game (1987)
Call Me Mr. Brown (1986)
For Love Alone (1986)