Cate Shortland

Born as Catherine Shortland on 10 August 1968, Cate Shortland is an internationally acclaimed Australian director and screenwriter. Her works have ranged from romantic dramas, historical dramas, to psychological thrillers. Some of her most noted works include the 2004 romantic drama film Somersault, her 2012 historical drama film Lore, and her 2017 psychological thriller film Berlin Syndrome. One of her most recognized works in mainstream cinema is the 2021 superhero film Black Widow which she directed for Marvel Studios. Originally from Temora, New South Wales, Shortland graduated from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School where she excelled and was honoured with the Southern Star Award for most promising student. She started her film career by creating several award-winning short films such as Strap on Olympia (1995), Pentuphouse (1998), Flower Girl (2000), and Joy (2000). She also spent 3 years directing episodes for the Network Ten television series, The Secret Life of Us. Her debut feature-length movie, Somersault (2004) was recognized in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Her other works such as Lore and Berlin Syndrome also won international accolades.