Ruari Elkington

Ruari Elkington is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries and a Chief Investigator at the QUT Digital Media Research Centre (DMRC) at Queensland University of Technology, within the Faculty of Creative Industries, Education and Social Justice. He is actively engaged in research, teaching, and industry collaboration in the fields of screen studies, film distribution, and digital media.

Elkington holds a BA in Film & Television (Hons) from QUT and is currently completing his PhD there. His research interests include screen distribution, cinematic culture, audience engagement, and the philosophical dimensions of film. He has conducted extensive research on cinemagoing practices, outdoor cinema, and the cultural value of film exhibition in Australia.

His recent publications explore themes such as the philosophical potential of cinema (drawing on Deleuze), representations of motherhood in film, and the enduring cultural significance of outdoor and drive-in cinemas. These works reflect a consistent focus on how film connects with audiences in evolving media landscapes.

His research output demonstrates strong engagement with both academic and public audiences, particularly through platforms like The Conversation. The articles span disciplines including philosophy, cultural studies, media theory, and Australian cultural history, with recurring subfields such as cinematic affect, film exhibition, gender representation, and embodied viewing experiences.

• Churchill Fellowship (2018)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and Associate Fellow (Indigenous)
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
• Member of AIATSIS (2021)
• AMP 'Tomorrow Maker' Award (2016)
• World Economic Forum Expert Network (2019)

Elkington is actively involved in research supervision, consulting, and collaboration. He has served on the National Executive Committee of ASPERA and mentors students through AACTA/AFI. His research is supported by funding from Screen Queensland, the Queensland Government, the Embassy of France in Australia, and Cinema Association Australasia. He works closely with colleague Tess Van Hemert on projects related to resilient screens and cinema exhibition. There is no indication of lab leadership, but his role as Chief Investigator at DMRC situates him within a major research center focused on digital media innovation.