Jude Palmer Rowlands is an up-and-coming director/writer in the third year of the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production at AFTRS with a passion for screen storytelling, leadership, and people.
Having spent his adolescence in Zhongshan, China, Jude brings a broad world view to the council. During his time there, he found his adoration for storytelling and filmmaking. Writing, directing, shooting, and editing three short films in a six-month span for his International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program personal project. After which he moved back to Melbourne to finish the VCE.
Before doing his bachelor’s degree, Jude completed two short courses at AFTRS: Intro to Directing, and The Director’s Journey. Over his time at AFTRS, Jude directed the horror/thriller/comedy Missed Messages in 2022 and was an editor for the anthology series Sharehouse in 2023, having worked on the episode Mafia. He also co-directed and co-produced the short documentary Worth Fighting Forwhich is debuting on SBS On Demand in 2024. He’s currently in pre-production for a comedy/drama proof of concept called Gatorland, serving as the director.
Jude is currently a Student Manager at Screenwise Film & TV School. He has become a familiar and friendly face in the AFTRS family, fully immersing himself with the student experience. Jude aims on bringing his enthusiasm for the students and school to the Council, and is eager to give back in any way possible.