Panel: From Page to Screen | Bangalow Film Festival 2025

From Page to Screen
Rolf de Heer and Deb Cox in conversation with Jessica Alice. 

Book adaptations are increasingly popular in the screen industry, bringing with them strong characters, engaging plots and an existing audience. Acclaimed filmmaker Rolf de Heer has adapted a number of books among his oeuvre, including Luis Sepulveda's The Old Man Who Read Love Stories, in a film starring Richard Dreyfuss and Hugo Weaving. Writer and producer Deb Cox brought Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries to life in the drama series starring Essie Davis, based on Kerry Greenwood's detective novels. But what made these books stand out as ripe material for adaptation? Join these pillars of the screen industry for an exploration of the relationship between books and film. 

Rolf de Heer is an acclaimed Australian filmmaker known for his bold, uncompromising storytelling and diverse body of work spanning over four decades. Renowned for films such as Ten Canoes (2006), Bad Boy Bubby (1993), and The Tracker (2002), his films have earned international recognition, including awards at Cannes, Venice, and the Berlinale.  

Deb Cox is a highly respected screenwriter and producer. As a co-founder of Every Cloud Productions, she has played a pivotal role in creating some of Australia’s most beloved series, including Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, and Seachange.  

The conversation will be moderated by Jessica  Alice, Artistic Director of Byron Writers Festival. 

Presented in collaboration with Byron Writers Festival.