Nel Minchin (born 1984 or 1985) is an Australian documentary film director.
Early life and education
Nel Minchin is the daughter of Ros and David Ellison Minchin.[1] Her father and grandfather were both surgeons in Perth.[2] She was raised in suburban Perth, the youngest of four siblings, Dan, Tim and Katie.[3][4] She is a descendent of R. E. Minchin. She graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a degree in broadcasting and then moved to London.[3]
Career
Minchin worked in television for 10 years, including as a researcher for Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery series,[3] before working for production company In Films.[3] In 2014, she was involved in producing ABC documentary Gaycrashers about gay comedians Joel Creasey and Rhys Nicholson living in Colac for a week.[5][6]
In 2016, Minchin wrote, narrated, and co-directed (with Rhian Skirving) Matilda and Me about her brother Tim Minchin's career and Matilda the Musical being staged in Australia.[4][7][8] She said, "I think it was important not to be too objective in some ways, particularly about him ... You have to be objective about the telling of the story.”[7] The film was nominated for Best Documentary Television Program at the 2016AACTA Awards.[9]
In 2017, Minchin directed Making Muriel about the making of the film Muriel's Wedding.[10][11] In April 2020, she was asked to look at 20 hours of candid footage of cricketer Steve Waugh in India to "see if there was a film in it". Minchin and editor Peter Crombie interviewed other Australian and Indian cricketers remotely during COVID-19 lockdowns. The one hour film Capturing Cricket: Steve Waugh in India aired on the ABC in November that year.[12][13][14]
In 2021, Minchin wrote and directed the SBS special The Truth About Anxiety with Celia Pacquola, with comedian Pacquola interviewing other well-known people who experience anxiety disorders, as well as medical experts.[23]
Minchin directed a two-part series called Folau about the cultural impact and tension of rugby player Israel Folau's Christian faith in sport in relation with the LGBTQ+ community.[24] She said "It was about understanding where people come from, I don’t think it suggests we should sympathise [with Folau] as much as understand."[25] The film was set to air on the ABC in November 2022, but was pulled by the broadcaster a few days beforehand.[25][26] It was finally shown on the ABC in May 2023.[27]
Personal life
Minchin is married to Guy Patrick, an advertising art director.[3] They have two daughters and live in Sydney.[3][28]