Sophia Bender is an Australian filmmaker and photographer.
Leaving Tasmania at the age of 16, Sophia moved to Sydney to pursue her passion for dance, studying full-time Ballet for two years at the McDonald College. She then studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) for three years where she completed an Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance). While studying at WAAPA, Sophia endured many injuries; this is where she discovered her passion for dance filmmaking, using this medium as a creative outlet.
Having completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and TV) at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 2017, Sophia then worked with The Australian Ballet as their Content Coordinator for three years.
Now based in Tasmania Sophia is a freelancer specialising in videography and photography.
She is passionate about documentary and dance film making.
She also specialises in family studio and outdoor photography.
Work
Current -
Freelance Videographer
and Photographer
-Past -
The Australian Ballet
Content Coordinator
2018-2020
Education
The Victorian College of the Arts –
The University of Melbourne-
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television) (2015-2017)
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
Edith Cowen University
Advanced Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) – (2012-2014)
The McDonald College
(Australian International Ballet Academy- full time) (2010-2011)
St Michael's Collegiate School
(School of Performing Arts) TAS – Year 9 – Year 10 (2008-2009)
Photo Credits - Kate Longley
Film Festivals and Awards
ENDO GIRL 2020-
Australian Dance Awards 2020
Short List - Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media
BEHIND BARRES -2017
Australian Dance Awards 2018
Short List - Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film or New Media
St Kilda Film Festival
Official Selection - 2018
Nomination - Best Achievement in Editing
What's the Score Panel
St Kilda Film Festival - Regional Tour 2018
Byron Bay Film Festival
Official Selection - 2018
Nomination - Young Australian Film Maker of the Year
Nomination - Best Experimental Film
Manchester Film Festival
Official Selection 2019
Oklahoma Dance Film Festival
Official Selection 2019
ATOM Awards - 2018
Finalist - Best Tertiary Experimental Film
Vancouver Island Short Film Festival - Official Selection- 2018
Best Overall Performance - Tizana Saunders
Best Original Score - Tomas Parrish
Utah Dance Film Festival -
Official Selection - 2018
Finalist -
Best Director - Sophia Bender
Best Ensemble Performance - 3rd Place
Paris Arts and Movie Awards -
Nomination - Best Actress - Tizana Saunders
Nomination - Best Director of Photography - David McRobbie Park
Nomination - Best Editor - Sophia Bender
ADF's Movies By Movers
Official Selection - 2018
Light Moves
Official Selection - 2018
North Hollywood CineFest -
Official Selection - 2018
Nomination - Best Student Film
Newport Beach Film Festival
Official Selection - 2018
Newcastle Film Festival
Official Selection - 2018
Student World Awards - 2018
Nomination - Best Overall Film
Nomination- Best Director - Sophia Bender
VCA Graduate Film and TV Awards
Winner - Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography- David McRobbie Park
Nomination - Outstanding Achievement in Editing - Sophia Bender
Nomination- Best Overall Production 2017
I'M NOT HEARING YOU - 2016
Newport Beach Film Festival
Official Selection 2017
North Hollywood CineFest
Official Selection 2017
Nomination - Best Student Film
Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival
Official Selection - 2018
Award of Recognition-
Cinematography - David McRobbie Park
Lead Actress - Sophia Bender
Experimental Film