SYNOPSIS

Coming from the heart of emerging filmmaker Stanley Cook, Artemis is a poignant story of friendship reunited and a tribute to the persistence of nature to endure in an ever-changing world.

DIRECTOR BIO ~ Stanley Cook, Mullumbimby, NSW

Stanley is a 17 year old homeschooler who lives outside Mullumbimby, NSW. He is a passionate amateur ecologist, martial artist and documentary filmmaker.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

I have always been deeply passionate about the natural world, particularly rivers and creeks, which was a major source of inspiration for this documentary. The film follows my younger brother and I as we attempt to recreate a childhood experience that was profoundly formative for us: befriending an eel we called Artemis.

Drawing on archival footage from over five years ago, weaving together the past and present, this film is both a coming-of-age story and a portrait of an unlikely friendship. Along the way, it reflects on the lessons we learned—patience, careful observation and the value of not judging a slimy book by its cover!

An important aspect of the film is its exploration of the biology and ecology of eels and the aquatic environments they inhabit. They are truely fascinating and mysterious creatures and are often misunderstood. Eels play a vital role as keystone species in their ecosystems. They also hold cultural significance for Indigenous peoples throughout their range.

I hope the film encourages viewers to reconsider preconceived ideas about eels and fosters a deeper understanding and respect for their environment. This story is very close to my heart and has played a meaningful role in shaping who I am. It would be a great honour to have this work appreciated by a wider audience.