Common Ventures’ James Crawley film ‘Volcano Man’ available in Australia and NZ via DocPlay

Volcano Man, the debut film from Common Ventures creative director and co-founder, James Crawley, has recorded incredible success since its initial release, receiving accolades from the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), screening at Palace Cinemas nationwide as part of Movember.

Premiering at the 2022 MIFF in August, the film received third place in the Audience Award category, as viewers reported a strong connection with the deeply moving documentary about Crawley’s eccentric father, photographer and documentarian Richard, who lives on top of a dormant volcano. The film is comprised of hidden tapes, filmed by James’ father in the years after his mother’s death, which capture all the complexities of a father-son relationship and dealing with grief.

Since its initial release, the film has been screened at Palace Cinemas across the country as part of Movember, driving awareness and raising funds for men’s mental health. As part of the campaign, Palace Cinemas donated $5 from every Volcano Man ticket sale to the charity, and select screenings featured a Q&A session with James and Richard.

Crawley’s story has also just been released on the popular ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler podcast.

Director James Crawley said he was thrilled with the overwhelming response to the film, particularly its ability to connect generations of families: “I never set out to make a film about men’s health or grief, it just naturally evolved that way,” he said. “In this industry, we spend our lives telling others’ stories – so it’s been a surreal experience telling my own. Every family has something to say – and I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the way audiences have embraced the film and its focus overall, on a story about a father and son, grappling with life and loss.

“It’s been fantastic to see the film on the big screen across Australia and we’re now looking forward to the film’s international release in the coming months.”

Says Brian Merrifield, executive creative director, Common Ventures: “When we first saw the film, we had no doubt it would be a resounding success. We’re incredibly proud to see James receive the accolades he so richly deserves for Volcano Man. I’m certain this is just the start of a decorated film career.”

Crawley has been a TV advertising director for several years, overseeing several award-winning TV commercials, including the Australian Federal Police’s Missing Persons Day in 2019. Volcano Man is his first foray into feature filmmaking. The film was produced by Pivot Studios and GoodThing Productions, creators of the AACTA and Cannes Film Festival winning Nitram and the documentary Australian Dream, in association with Melbourne International Film Festival’s Premiere Fund, VicScreen and Common Ventures.

Volcano Man is now available to stream on DocPlay in Australia and New Zealand: https://www.docplay.com/shows/volcano-man

Crawley’s story also recently featured on the hugely popular Conversations with Richard Fidler podcast – listen to it here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/james-crawley-father-grief-loss-photography-creativity/14103052

For more information on Volcano Man, visit https://volcanoman.com.au/