Jessica Lily is a multifaceted artist who recently completed shooting an edgy black comedy titled ‘Her Creature’, a film she not only wrote and co-produced but also starred in and co-directed. ‘Her Creature’ was met with critical acclaim in the festival circuit, earning the Audience Choice Award at the WA Made Film Festival, a testament to Jessica’s creative vision and storytelling prowess. Jessica’s work often explores deep emotional and social themes, reflecting her commitment to using art as a tool for empathy and understanding. During a Q&A about the film, she explained, “My aim is to break down some of the stigmas associated with mental conditions so people suffering from these conditions don’t feel isolated. They should be able to communicate freely about their symptoms without judgment and get the help and support they need to live their best life.”
She also wrote ‘Gorgon Blood’ a story of survival, resilience, and transformation. By reinterpreting the myth of Medusa, the film offers a fresh perspective on themes that are both timeless and deeply relevant to contemporary audiences. Through its exploration of identity, empowerment, and the complexities of human relationships, Gorgon Blood aims to resonate with viewers on a personal and emotional level, inspiring them to reflect on their own journeys of transformation and self-discovery. Jessica also wrote, ‘Off the Grid’, a drama focusing on a woman suffering from electro-sensitivity who embarks on a journey to find the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption at 16.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts in Drama and a Graduate Diploma in Education, highlighting her strong academic foundation in the arts. She furthered her education in Aboriginal Musical Theatre through WAPPA in Broome, Advanced Screen Acting at NIDA in Sydney, and studied screenwriting in Sydney. This diverse training showcases her dedication to mastering her craft. As a Specialist Drama Teacher at John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle, Jessica has not only taught drama but also brought classic and contemporary works to life, including ‘Animal Farm’, ‘Tempest’, and ‘Sister Heart’, fostering a creative environment for her students.

Jessica is driven by a passion for storytelling that delves into the complexities of the human condition. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful narratives that make a difference, believing in being involved in every aspect of film creation to ensure each component contributes to the overall vision and message conveyed to the audience.

In Melbourne, Jessica completed a Production Internship at RMITV Studios and was subsequently employed as a Director and Actor at Orion Studios. She later produced her own online comedy, ‘Pickled Prozak’, a TV series featuring an AFI award-winning director and acting alongside some of Melbourne’s best-known comedians.

One of Jessica Lily’s most memorable highlights was meeting Quentin Tarantino at the Night Cat in Melbourne, a testament to her deep involvement and recognition in the film industry. Jessica is driven and passionate about telling compelling stories that capture the human condition in its most organic form. Her open-minded and down-to-earth approach, combined with her dedication to continuously honing her craft and filmmaking skills, makes her an ideal team player who thrives in environments where creative exploration is encouraged.

As a performing arts teacher in Western Australia, Jessica aspires to use the arts as a catalyst for educational reform, believing strongly in the power of artistic expression to enrich students’ knowledge and abilities. Her impressive credentials include degrees in Contemporary Arts from Deakin University in Melbourne, a Graduate Diploma in Drama from Edith Cowan University, and studies at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Theatre and Screen from Sydney. Additionally, Jessica honed her skills at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and completed a production internship at RMITV in Melbourne, showcasing her diverse educational background and commitment to the arts.

Jessica has achieved numerous successes as an actor, writer, director, and producer across television, film, and theatre in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne. Leveraging her professional expertise, she advocates for arts-rich schools, suggesting that the arts can be powerful vehicles for social transformation. For instance, her production of ‘Gaia’, a drama she wrote and directed at Iona Presentation College in WA, challenged students to reflect on environmental issues and engage in sustainability efforts, fostering a deeper connection to the world around them.

In her original production on the topic of depression—a play Jessica co-wrote for the YOH Fest (Youth on Health)—the group utilized movement, symbolism, and acting to create a powerful performance that won several awards. Jessica’s talent in various art forms allows her to seamlessly combine music, dance, and drama into a sensory feast, as seen in another of her creations, ‘The Majik Tree’. This production exemplifies Jessica’s signature style, merging different art forms to entertain, communicate, and engage children with diverse talents, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to express their creativity fully. Jessica’s exploration of the richness and complexity of the arts extends to her work in documentary filmmaking. At RMITV studios, she wrote and co-produced a short documentary titled ‘Crooked Rib’, about a group of Muslim women. This documentary provided audiences with an insightful look into cross-cultural issues, aiming to break down prejudice and foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives.