Gîtar PRESS KIT

Farhad Bandesh is a Kurdish musician and artist who fled his homeland seeking safety, only to be imprisoned by the Australian Government on Manus Island, and in Melbourne, for nearly 8 years.

During his captivity in the refugee detention centre prison camps Farhad protested peacefully and continuously against the governments cruel and inhumane policies using music and art. He wanted to raise awareness about the cruelty inflicted on people by these policies and prisons, and highlight human rights abuses. He released 8 songs and over 150 artworks whilst imprisoned.

Farhad is currently in community, but has no permanent visa. It has been 10 years since his arrival and his fight continues to have a free and safe life.

Since graduating from NIDA in 1986, Bruce Hunt-Hughes (a.k.a. Bruce Hughes) has been a regular on stage and screen in Sydney, Melbourne, London and New York, most recently playing Queens Councillor Cohen in a Disney+ production of The Clearing alongside Guy Pearce.

Bruce’s previous roles include a serial killer in Halifax f.p., a judge in On the Beach, a police prosecutor in Law of the Land, a sleazy businessman in Families, a cad in Man From Snowy River, a clairvoyant in Signs of Life, a thug in Flipper, a vet in A Country Practice, a newshound in Blue Heelers, a white-collar heroin addict in GP, a guitar hero maths teacher in A Last Resort, Commander Wellington in Ocean Girl and a gremlin in The Portable Door. On stage Bruce played Hades in Orpheus (Four Larks Theatre), Rick in Six Degrees of Separation (Sydney Theatre Company) Tristan Tzara in Travesties (Hole-in-the-Wall Theatre, Perth), Mitch in Streetcar Named Desire (Shaw Theatre, London), and Oberon in Midsummernight’s Dream (Shakepeare-in-the-Park, Melbourne).

Fariborz Pakzamir, an Iranian-Australian artist based in Melbourne, excels in acting, playwriting, directing, radio broadcasting, and poetry. In 2023, he played a supporting role in the award-winning film "Shayda," directed by Noora Niasari and executive produced by Cate Blanchett. It has garnered multiple awards and set to represent Australia at the 2024 Oscars. Other notable works also include the lead role in the internationally acclaimed short film "17 Years and a Day” and another lead role in the award-winning short film "The Arm," directed by the American Bita Haidarian.

In theatre, Fariborz took lead roles in Melbourne productions like "Remembering Cherry Tree" at La Mama, "Wherever I Am", and "Seven Valleys."

He served as radio broadcaster at 3CR for 14 years and produced a poetry CD album. His stage performances earned him the "Artist of the Month Award" from the Boite for outstanding contributions to Melbourne's cultural and artistic landscape.

Jasy started acting in 2014, specialising in Film and TV. Her biggest credit was a bit-part on Wentworth before she took a short break to focus on spirituality and a bachelor's degree in Film/Television Writing and Journalism. This is her first film project since her return. She was drawn to Gîtar because it brings fundamental human rights issues to light that are often hidden from the public eye.

Takudzwa Matsatsa is an actor based in Melbourne, Australia and is currently studying at NIDA for screen acting. Born in Luton UK, Takudzwa at a young age, was involved in numerous theatre plays and after moving to Australia decided to professionally pursue acting as a career. Since then Takudzwa has been involved in a few short films, a bit part in an ABC 3 TV Show (Turn Up The Volume), feature films and his recent short film which premiered at the 66th Melbourne International Film Festival. He is excited to dive into more feature films and collaborative projects in the future.

Luke Stephens is an accomplished Australian actor and singer, graduated from Deakin University and went on to study at the National Theatre Drama School in Melbourne.

Luke appeared in City Homicide in the nefarious role of Samuel Bowler. Other credits include Home & Away, Love Bytes (Fox TV), My Brother Jack (Network 10), Monday Dump with Roy & HG (Network 7), Denise (Network 7), Access All Areas (Project Greenlight Fox TV) and short films: Mac The Knife, The Weather in London, Odyssey and Fragmentary Experience. Luke also stared in Hard Rubbish for Raw Nerve & Screen Australia.

Jack Rintoul is a writer and director from Melbourne, Australia. After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2017, he co-founded the award winning production company Wendyhouse Films. He is a passionate storyteller and a committed supporter of human rights causes.

Helen Turton is an award-winning filmmaker and the co-founder of Wendyhouse Films. She works across narrative and documentary projects, many of which have screened at renowned international film festivals. Helen is passionate about seeking out and developing compelling stories that challenge audiences.

Cieavash Arean came to Australia as a political refugee from Iran in 1988. He is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist playing traditional Persian instruments. He has had the privilege of playing with two masters, James Morrison and Herbie Hancock on International Jazz Day 2019.

With a background in the Visual Arts, a Bachelor Degree in Film and Television and an overarching passion for all things design, Tiana immerses herself in both the Art and Wardrobe departments - working as a Production Designer as well as a Costume Designer.

Her design work has recieved nominations by the APDG, films awarded at various international Film Festivals including WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, screenings at St Kilda Film Festival, across Palace Cinemas and SBS on Demand.

CJ has been a film colourist for over a decade at some of the industries leading post-production facilities.

Over their career, CJ has collaborated with filmmakers on 100’s productions from high-end branded content through to episodic and feature films. Notably AACTA Award-winning The Newsreader, Academy Award-nominated Tanna, Sundance selected film Relic and Palme D’Or-winning short All These Creatures.

CJ’s passion for establishing mood through colour and light, along with a love of gadgets and technology, is what drives her.

Ryan Granger is an award winning, multi disciplinary sound designer with a background in the sound arts. His work has been heard around the globe from commercials, games, television and feature films. With a long standing passion for immersive environments, his ongoing focus tends to sway to new innovations in audio technology such as Dolby Atmos, XR/VR and gaming.

Notable work: Time Addicts (2023), The Future of Everything (2022), Anonymous Club (2021),  Relic (2020), Sesame Street (various segments), Lost and Found (2018 academy award shortlisted)