Born in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia, a child of a housing commission estate, J. Harkness developed at a young age a serious and profound passion for poetry. This early love of poetry laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the art form. While still in primary school, Harkness's exceptional talent and promise earned him a prestigious scholarship to a renowned private school, providing him with a unique opportunity to nurture his artistic abilities. Upon completing his secondary education, Harkness briefly embarked on a professional career in journalism, securing a position with the esteemed NSW Newspaper, The Advocate. However, he soon realized that journalism did not align with his creative aspirations, and he decided to pursue a more fulfilling path.
Harkness then relocated to Adelaide, where he enrolled in Flinders University of South Australia, studying Drama and Film. This academic pursuit led to the completion of a Master's Degree in the same disciplines. During his time at university, Harkness had the opportunity to hone his craft by directing numerous short films, which went on to achieve significant festival success and garner numerous awards. Additionally, he continued to refine his skills by directing commercials and documentaries, ultimately conceiving his feature film, Shot Of Love.
Throughout his career, J. Harkness has received a multitude of accolades and major festival selections for his work and achievements. Birthday is his second feature film, showcasing his exceptional talent as a writer and director.
