Vincent Giarrusso

Vincent Giarrusso is a Lecturer in Film and Television at Swinburne University of Technology, within the School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education. He specializes in screenwriting and direction, with a strong emphasis on the cultural and social significance of filmmaking. He has previously served as program co-ordinator for the Film and Television course and is actively involved in curriculum development, international study tours, and collaborative research.

His research is deeply interdisciplinary, combining screen practice with sociological inquiry, particularly in the areas of multiculturalism, diversity, and ethnographic filmmaking. He has led the 'Zooming In' research project in collaboration with the Victorian Multicultural Commission, producing films that explore everyday multiculturalism through youth perspectives. His PhD thesis, A Country Practice, offers an autoethnographical analysis of scriptwriting in the Australian film industry.

His recent publications focus on racism during the pandemic, mediation in screenwriting, and reimagining diversity through film. These works reflect a consistent engagement with social justice, creative practice, and pedagogical innovation. The publications span journal articles, creative works, and public reports, demonstrating both academic rigor and public impact.

• AACTA award for Mallboy
• ARIA award winner
• AMP nominee (2018, 2019)
• AMCOS/APRA Australian Song of the Year nominee (2019)
• Dean's Award for Best PhD Thesis (2018)
• Honourable Mention, ASSH Faculty Awards (2020)

Giarrusso supervises HDR students and has secured multiple grants from the Victorian Multicultural Commission and local councils to support film festivals and educational initiatives. He has coordinated the VMC Film Festival at ACMI and led study tours to Berlin and Italy. He is also an active practitioner, having written, directed, and composed music for acclaimed films and music projects. His work bridges academia and industry, fostering collaboration between students, communities, and cultural institutions.

He is involved with the cultural institution Fondazione Cini in Venice and has established international internships and research collaborations. His leadership in the North Thailand study tour, funded by $30K NCP, combines filmmaking with mentoring youth from remote communities, reflecting a commitment to global engagement and ethical storytelling.