Chris Delforce
Actor & Director
About Chris Delforce
Chris Delforce is a contemporary Australian filmmaker and animal rights activist whose work is defined by a rigorous, uncompromising approach to documentary cinema. Rising to international prominence with the release of the feature-length documentary 'Dominion' in 2018, Delforce utilized high-definition drone footage and hidden camera technology to expose the inner workings of the modern animal agriculture industry. His career began in earnest with the founding of the Aussie Farms repository in 2014, which served as a precursor to his cinematic endeavors by documenting animal exploitation across Australia. Unlike the stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood, Delforce's work is rooted in the 'cinema verité' tradition, prioritizing raw, unvarnished reality over theatrical artifice. He serves as the executive director of the non-profit organization Farm Transparency Project, through which he continues to produce media aimed at social and legislative change. His filmography, though specialized, has been compared to the works of early social-realist documentarians who used the camera as a tool for political and moral awakening.
The Craft
On Screen
Delforce does not employ a traditional acting style; in his film 'Dominion,' he appears as himself, serving as a narrator and guide through the investigative footage, utilizing a stoic and objective presence to allow the imagery to speak for itself.
Behind the Camera
His directing style is characterized by a 'fly-on-the-wall' investigative approach, utilizing hidden cameras, drones, and handheld cinematography to create an immersive, often harrowing experience. He prioritizes structural narrative over character-driven plots, focusing on systemic industrial processes and the ethical implications of modern technology.
Milestones
- Directed and produced the groundbreaking documentary 'Dominion' (2018)
- Founded the Aussie Farms (now Farm Transparency Project) organization in 2014
- Directed the documentary 'Lucent' (2014) focusing on the Australian pig farming industry
- Successfully challenged Australian 'Ag-Gag' laws through legal and cinematic transparency
- Orchestrated the largest global release of undercover footage in the animal rights movement
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Best Documentary - Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards (2018)
- Best Director - Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards (2018)
- Best Documentary - Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards (2018)
- Grand Prize - Animal Film Festival (2018)
Nominated
- Official Selection - Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (2018)
- Best Documentary Nomination - various international social impact film festivals
Special Recognition
- Animal Activist of the Year - various advocacy groups
- Keynote speaker at the National Animal Rights Day
- Featured in major international media outlets including the BBC and ABC for his investigative work
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Delforce has had a profound impact on the 21st-century documentary landscape by revitalizing the 'shock' documentary genre with high-production values and modern technology. 'Dominion' became a cultural touchstone for the vegan movement, often cited as the most influential film of its kind since 'Earthlings' (2005). His work has sparked national debates in Australia regarding whistleblowing laws, animal welfare standards, and the ethics of industrial food production.
Lasting Legacy
His legacy is defined by the 'Dominion' effect, where his films serve as a permanent digital archive of modern industrial practices. He is credited with bringing the aesthetic of high-definition drone surveillance to the social justice documentary, influencing a new generation of filmmakers to use accessible technology for investigative purposes.
Who They Inspired
He has influenced a global network of activists to adopt filmmaking as a primary tool for advocacy. His technical methods for capturing hidden footage have been studied and replicated by investigative journalists worldwide.
Off Screen
Chris Delforce resides in Australia and maintains a private personal life, focusing his public presence almost entirely on his work with the Farm Transparency Project. He is a dedicated vegan and has spent over a decade documenting industrial facilities, often facing significant legal risks to obtain his footage.
Education
Studied film and media in Australia, focusing on digital production and investigative journalism techniques.
Did You Know?
- The film 'Dominion' was partially funded through a highly successful crowdfunding campaign.
- Delforce faced a police raid in 2015 related to his investigative work, which only increased public interest in his films.
- He spent years gathering over 100 hours of footage to edit into the final cut of 'Dominion'.
- The film features narration by several Academy Award-winning and nominated actors who were moved by Delforce's previous work.
- Delforce often uses the pseudonym 'Aussie Farms' to protect the identity of whistleblowers involved in his projects.
- He has stated that his goal is to make his films obsolete by changing the industries they depict.
In Their Own Words
The truth is not always comfortable, but it is necessary for progress.
We use the camera as a mirror to show society what it has chosen to hide from itself.
Dominion is not just a film; it is a piece of evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chris Delforce?
Chris Delforce is an Australian documentary filmmaker and activist best known for directing the 2018 film 'Dominion'. He is the founder of the Farm Transparency Project and is a leading figure in the use of investigative cinema for animal rights advocacy.
What films is Chris Delforce best known for?
He is primarily known for 'Dominion' (2018), an expansive documentary narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, and 'Lucent' (2014), which focuses on the Australian pork industry.
When was Chris Delforce born?
Chris Delforce was born on May 20, 1988, in Adelaide, Australia.
What awards has Chris Delforce won?
He has won several awards for 'Dominion', including Best Documentary and Best Director at the Hollywood International Independent Documentary Awards in 2018.
What is Chris Delforce's directing style?
His style is investigative and documentary-focused, utilizing hidden cameras and drone footage to provide a raw, unfiltered look at industrial processes, often referred to as a modern form of 'cinema verité'.
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Films
1 film
