Born in the picturesque country of New Zealand, within a notable theatrical family, she embarked on a five-year journey as a professional actress, honing her craft and gaining valuable experience.
Subsequently, she made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant city of London, where she pursued a higher education in fine arts at the prestigious Goldsmith College. During her time at the institution, she was encouraged by her sister, Jane, to explore the world of filmmaking, which ultimately led to her enrolling in a Master of Arts program at the renowned Royal College of Art.
The culmination of her academic endeavors was the creation of her first short film, "The Audition", which boasted an impressive cast featuring her sister and mother. The film's outstanding quality did not go unnoticed, as it went on to win the prestigious BBC Student Drama Prize in 1989.
Undeterred by her initial success, she continued to push the boundaries of her craft, producing a second short film, "Broken Skin", which was selected to compete at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival.