Parish Malfitano is a multifaceted creative force, boasting a dual identity as a writer, director, producer, and founder of Fantasma Picture House, an entity that embodies his passion for the artistic expression.
As an individual with a rich cultural heritage, being of Italian and Australian descent, Parish's unique perspective is shaped by his diverse background, allowing him to bring a distinct voice to the world of creative storytelling.
In addition to his multifaceted creative pursuits, Parish has also pursued formal education, earning a Foundation Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Screen from the prestigious Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS),a renowned institution that has produced some of the most talented individuals in the film and television industry.
Malfitano's professional odyssey commenced with a stint as Assistant Editor on the intellectually stimulating documentary "Dead Hands Dig Deep", a cinematic masterpiece helmed by the visionary director Jai Love. This critically acclaimed film garnered widespread recognition and was subsequently invited to screen at numerous esteemed film festivals, including the Slamdance festival, the Sydney Underground Film Festival, the Dark Mofo festival, Revelation Fest, and the Monster Fest.
Within a remarkably brief period of time, Parish made his directorial debut in the feature film sphere, assuming the roles of writer and co-producer simultaneously with the critically acclaimed "Bloodshot Heart". This remarkable cinematic endeavour has garnered significant attention globally, boasting a prestigious festival circuit presence that includes, among others, its Australian premiere at the esteemed Revelation Perth International Film Festival, as well as subsequent screenings at the Fantaspoa Film Festival, Cinefantasy Brazil, Chattanooga Film Festival, Salento International Film Festival, Curtas Festival do Imaxinario, Macabro Mexico City, Fantastic Film Festival Australia, Shanghai International Film Festival, Cinequest LA, and Dances With Films Festival LA, held at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. Furthermore, "Bloodshot Heart" enjoyed a successful theatrical run in various Australian cities, while also being made available for streaming on SBS On Demand, one of Australia's major national broadcast stations.
Parish's remarkable adaptability as a creative force is exemplified through his direction of an opera music video, which prominently features the talented Soprano Imogen-Faith Malfitano, thereby underscoring his ardent desire to venture into a wide range of artistic mediums.
In the pursuit of his long-term objectives, Parish has set his sights on crafting innovative theatre pieces, librettos, and stage productions for the opera, with the ultimate goal of expanding the existing canon of opera and pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible within this revered art form.
In the year 2023, Parish distinguished himself as a skilled and accomplished programmer for the prestigious Fantastic Film Festival Australia, thereby further establishing his reputation as a notable and respected figure within the film industry.
His third feature film, "Salt Along the Tongue", a captivating supernatural drama, has garnered significant attention and acclaim, having been selected as a semifinalist in the renowned Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope screenplay competition.
Currently, "Salt Along the Tongue" is making its way through the festival circuit, providing Parish with an exceptional opportunity to showcase his exceptional filmmaking skills to a wider audience.
In addition to the success of his third feature, Parish is also actively developing his next feature film, "Sanctity of Flames", marking an exciting new chapter in his burgeoning career as a filmmaker. This new project represents a significant milestone in Parish's professional journey, as he continues to push the boundaries of his creative vision and artistic expression.
