On the Couch with Robynne Murphy

Robynne Murphy AAR On the CouchWho is Robynne Murphy?
I’m supposed to be a retired steelworker, gone bush to fish and garden. But not only am I a volunteer firefighter who got thrown into the thick of horrendous fires 6 months ago, but I was about to finish a very special project, a film about a great women’s campaign I was involved in 40 years ago, to get the story out there, to hopefully inspire and educate young women today. So I’m currently a filmmaker who has had to rebuild my ability to make a film after an absence in filmmaking of 46 years!

What would you do differently from what you do now?
Believe it or not, life has been kind so far in my journey, I have no regrets in most things I’ve done. I’m proud of what I’ve done. I suppose if I had my time over again, I would love to explore Ken Loach style of filmmaking

Who inspires you and why?
I’m continually inspired by people who step up, take the reins and get a job done, under adverse circumstances. My fellow firefighters for sure, and my political comrades, who continue to speak out, struggle when the world can be so inhumane. I’m also inspired by the passionate filmmakers, some actually volunteering their skills, who have worked with me to create this great film.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
My whole life is dedicated to trying to make a difference. If I could, I’d buy up the biggest media company and change the way we hear what is happening in the world. I’m for all the little people of the world, most forgotten by today’s media.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite holiday destination has got to be my own home, My friends love coming here and we have a hoot of a time together. It really doesn’t matter where I am, as long as I can enjoy it with friends.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Walking through the bush, down to a tranquil wetland is my favourite, pointing out all the indigenous plants and then the invasive weeds I haven’t got on top of. Then,of course, a visit to our local café to recover.

What are you currently reading?
I’m reading my friend’s book The Lucky Galah. It’s a unique take on how a small country town took the moon landing, told through the eyes of a galah, a very perceptive galah!

What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been so busy making the film WOMEN OF STEEL over the last 10 year that my music collection is feeling very unloved. Needless to say, I’ve had a great opportunity to search for some powerful women’s voices for the end of the film and have loved the voices of Alice Terry Renee Fleming and Mo’Ju.

Happiness is?
Happiness is being with people, having food on the table, a roof over our heads and a healthy body and mind.

What does the future hold for you?
I’m really looking forward to taking this film around to young women everywhere to discuss how we can make it right for women. WOMEN OF STEEL is an exciting story in itself, taken from history, but there’s more to it: within this rousing tale there are ideas for today – lessons to inform the ongoing struggle for equal rights.

Robynne is the director of WOMEN OF STEEL – which will screen as part of the 2020 Sydney Film Festival. For more information, visit: www.sff.org.au for details.

Image: Robynne Murphy (supplied)