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IMDbPro

Wayne Coles-Janess

  • Director
  • Cinematographer
  • Editor
IMDbProStarmeterSee rank
Wayne Coles-Janess
The Internationally Multi-Award Winning Feaure In the Shadow of the Palms is the Only documentary filmed in Iraq prior to, during, and after the fall of Saddam Hussein. 

It documents the changes in Iraqi society, and the lives of ordinary Iraqis by focusing on a cross-section of individuals. The film presents audiences with a window into the everyday realities for those living through this controversial war. 

The film documents how life is for the society and people living under twelve years of sanctions and the regime of Saddam Hussein. 

When the inevitability of the US-led conflict increased and people across the globe protested the war, the filmmakers recorded the changes in the lives of the Iraqi people, focusing on a cross-section of individuals representative of the broader Iraqi community. 

The film follows these individuals as they prepare for the coalition war against their country and as it becomes the target for tens of thousands of coalition cruise missiles and guided bombs. The film shows first hand the effects of the bombing campaign on the lives of civilians.
Play demo reel3:46
In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
6 Videos
4 Photos
Wayne Coles-Janess is an Internationally Acclaimed and Award Winning Producer, Writer and Director of Drama and Documentary programs. Producing films that define Humanity in International Situations and engage Audiences across Cultures and Nations.

His Drama, "On the Border of Hopetown" received an AFI (Australian Film Institute) Nomination. One of Australia most successful productions with screening at the Worlds most highly regarded Film Festivals including, Clemont - Ferrand, Mannheim, Chicago and entertaining Audiences at over more than 30 International Festivals from Turkey to San Francisco Golden Gate Awards.

The International Award-Winning Feature - In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq is a unique film. The only documentary shot during the last weeks of Saddam's Government, as it follows the characters into "Operation Shock and Awe" and War. The last third of the film is based on the return to Iraq to document changes in life and society with the new elected Iraqi Government in place.

In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq Feature sets a new standard for Australia Production. It is the First Australian film in International Competition for more than 12 Years. Being only the 3rd time in past 15 years, that an Australian Production has met the standards for the Highly Competitive Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. Held every two years, only 15 Films from around the Globe are selected for this Prestigious Festival. In the Shadow of the Palms was voted the Most Popular Film Winning the - Audience Award.

Screening at over 35 international film festivals, Bougainville - "Our Island, Our Fight" has won numerous International Awards including; Best Documentary, Best Video Production and Audience Awards - and defined the path forward for a peaceful political resolution to 12 year War.

His documentary "Life at the End of the Rainbow" gives an honest and authentic account of life for people living on the land. Rating the 2nd Highest Rating in ABC's Prestigious True Stories Documentary Slot. Life at the end of the Rainbow has gone onto the International Festival Circuit Winning a number of Awards.

The high International profile and Quality of both Drama and Documentaries have worked to internationally define the subject matter and expand Genres. Wayne has worked as Producer and Director for the highest rating programs on Australian television. The Nine Network's 60 Minutes, ABC's Flagship program - Foreign Correspondent, completely revamping SBS's 13 part series front up, and The Movie Show.

Wayne is widely quoted as an Expert in Iraq and South Pacific Culture and Politics. His pieces have been published in Time Magazine, The Age, The ABC, The Sydney Morning Herald, National Geographic Magazine and numerous international Media Outlets. - Folhade S.Paulo to CNN Turk, - through to Variety.

He holds three Post Graduate Awards in Media Studies (Hons), Visual and Performing Arts (Hons) and Education. - Studying Engineering at an Under Graduate Level, Wayne changed direction and Graduated from the Film School at the Queensland College of Art. He has been a guest and speaker at International Film Festivals in Turkey, USA, Brazil, Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Taiwan, Japan, Spain, Germany, Iran and a Judge at International Film Festivals.
  • More at IMDbPro
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  • View contact info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 9 wins & 2 nominations total

    Photos3

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    Known for

    In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq (2005)
    In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
    8.7
    • Director
    • 2005
    Bougainville: Our Island, Our Fight (1998)
    Bougainville: Our Island, Our Fight
    8.3
    • Director
    • 1998
    On the Border of Hopetown (1992)
    On the Border of Hopetown
    Short
    • Director
    • 1992
    Life at the End of the Rainbow (2002)
    Life at the End of the Rainbow
    • Director
    • 2002

    Credits

    IMDbPro

    Director



    • In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq (2005)
      In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
      8.7
      • Director
      • 2005
    • Life at the End of the Rainbow (2002)
      Life at the End of the Rainbow
      • Director
      • 2002
    • Bougainville: Our Island, Our Fight (1998)
      Bougainville: Our Island, Our Fight
      8.3
      • Director
      • 1998
    • Front Up (1994)
      Front Up
      8.8
      TV Series
      • Director
      • 1996
    • On the Border of Hopetown (1992)
      On the Border of Hopetown
      Short
      • Director
      • 1992

    Cinematographer



    • In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq (2005)
      In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
      8.7
      • Cinematographer
      • 2005
    • Life at the End of the Rainbow (2002)
      Life at the End of the Rainbow
      • Cinematographer
      • 2002

    Editor



    • In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq (2005)
      In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
      8.7
      • Editor
      • 2005
    • Life at the End of the Rainbow (2002)
      Life at the End of the Rainbow
      • Editor
      • 2002
    • Bougainville: Our Island, Our Fight (1998)
      Bougainville: Our Island, Our Fight
      8.3
      • Editor
      • 1998
    • Front Up (1994)
      Front Up
      8.8
      TV Series
      • Editor
      • 1996

    Videos6

    On the Border of Hopetown
    Demo Reel 1:00
    On the Border of Hopetown
    The Lore
    Demo Reel 1:51
    The Lore
    The Lore
    Demo Reel 1:51
    The Lore
    In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
    Demo Reel 3:46
    In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
    Bougainville Our Island, Our Fight
    Demo Reel 2:35
    Bougainville Our Island, Our Fight
    Life at the end of the Rainbow
    Demo Reel 1:26
    Life at the end of the Rainbow
    In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq
    Trailer 4:07
    In the Shadow of the Palms - Iraq

    Self-verified on IMDbPro

    • Gender / Gender identity
      • Male
    • Nationality / Religious or Ethnic identity
      • Australian, Greek

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