Stephen A Russell

Stephen A Russell is an AEU journalist, freelance writer and imported Scotsman who loves film, theatre, good food and social justice.

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Early Childhood
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Schools
TAFE & Adult Provision

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TV review: The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Based on the Richard Flanagan novel, this upcoming Australian miniseries is a triumph, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

For everyone

Small Things Like These

Cillian Murphy delivers a sublime performance in the film adaptation of Irish writer Claire Keegan’s novella, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

For everyone

Why pride matters

Ensuring schools are supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ students saves lives. STEPHEN A RUSSELL speaks to those doing it well.

For everyone

TV review: English Teacher

US TV show The English Teacher provides lots of belly laughs as he herds a particularly unruly bunch of kids through the mayhem of high school, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

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Film review: Audrey

Aussie/NZ film ‘Audrey’ is a wild ride that prods societal expectations in deliriously fun and wicked ways, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

For everyone

Film review: Left Write Hook

Left Write Hook is a powerful documentary that leaves its mark long after the end credits roll, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

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TV review: Videoland

Australian queer filmmaker Jessica Smith’s new video-shop rom-com miniseries is a nostalgic delight, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

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Film review: Sunflower

This Melbourne-set queer drama reminds us that coming out can still be complicated for teens navigating their way through the world.

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For everyone

MIFF Schools: From your classroom to the world

As Melbourne’s favourite film festival returns, film critic STEPHEN A RUSSELL takes a look at their specially tailored program for teachers and their students.

Schools

Under pressure: new film shows struggle in understaffed schools

German filmmaker Ilker Çatak exposes the complex pressures faced by teachers every day in his gripping drama, The Teacher’s Lounge. STEPHEN A RUSSELL talks to the director.

For everyone

Film review: Housekeeping for Beginners

Melbourne-based filmmaker Goran Stolevski’s third feature Housekeeping for Beginners is radiant stuff, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

Schools

Positive disruption: apps allowing CRTs to bypass agencies

CRT booking apps are cutting out ‘the middle man’, aka agencies, for the benefit of schools and employees.

For everyone

TV review: Girls State

Girls State continues the conversation started with Boys State, finding further cause for hope and concern as a new generation of American students prepares for public service, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

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Film review: Poor Things

New film from Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things, is an absurdly extravagant cinematic feast, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

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TV review: Faraway Downs

We take a look at the Baz Luhrmann TV series, Faraway Downs.

Schools

Walking in giant footsteps

Principal Debbie Cottier feels a keen responsibility to support her fellow First Nations educators.

For everyone

TV review: The First Inventors, SBS

This eye-opening doco series with a big, generous heart should be mandatory viewing in all schools, writes STEPHEN A RUSSELL.

Schools

Power to the podcast

AEU members Irene Palamaras and Paul Booth have dug deep into their own pockets to share their hard-won wisdom on empowering health & safety reps in schools.

For everyone

Film review: Shayda, Madman Entertainment

Iranian-Australian filmmaker Noora Niasari’s debut is an arresting feature about the horrific scourge of domestic violence.

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Film review: Sweet As

Jub Clerc’s luminous debut feature is about a young woman struggling in a fractious home until her cop brother ships her onto an outback photography bus tour for troubled kids.