Jane Campion
Dame Elizabeth Jane Campion is a New Zealand filmmaker, born on 30 April 1954, who stands as a major figure in cinema history, particularly noted for her focus on feminism, sexuality, and the tension between independence and submission. Her career has earned her two Academy Awards and nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards. Campion made her directorial debut with *Sweetie*, but she is most widely recognized for writing and directing the critically acclaimed films *The Piano* (1993) and *The Power of the Dog* (2021). Her other notable works include *An Angel at My Table*, *The Portrait of a Lady*, *Holy Smoke!*, and *Bright Star*. She also co-created the television series *Top of the Lake* and its sequel *China Girl*. In 2016, she was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to film.
Campion was raised in Wellington, New Zealand, the second daughter of an actress, writer, and heiress mother and a teacher and theatre director father. Her father’s family belonged to the Exclusive Brethren sect. Growing up immersed in New Zealand theatre, as her parents founded the New Zealand Players, she initially avoided a dramatic arts career, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in 1975. After studying painting in London and Sydney, her dissatisfaction with that medium led her to filmmaking. Her first short film, *Tissues*, was made in 1980, and she graduated from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in 1984. Her short *Peel* won the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes in 1986. *The Piano* won the Palme d’Or and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and she became only the second woman ever nominated for Best Director. Her later work includes the biographical drama *Bright Star*, focusing on poet John Keats’s lover Fanny Brawne, and the acclaimed miniseries *Top of the Lake*. She has served as a jury head at the Cannes Film Festival.
- born
- 30 April 1954
- field
- Filmmaker
- nationality
- New Zealand
Lore & Background
Jane Campion is a New Zealand filmmaker recognized as a prominent figure in cinema, particularly for her focus on feminist themes, sexuality, and the tension between independence and submission. She has won two Academy Awards and received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Her directorial debut was the feature film *Sweetie*, and she is best known for writing and directing *The Piano* (1993) and *The Power of the Dog* (2021). Other notable films include *An Angel at My Table*, *The Portrait of a Lady*, *Holy Smoke!*, and *Bright Star*. She also co-created the television series *Top of the Lake* and its sequel *China Girl*. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, to parents who were both involved in theatre—her mother an actress and writer, her father a teacher and director—Campion grew up immersed in New Zealand theatre. She initially studied anthropology, earning a Bachelor of Arts, before pursuing painting at art schools in London and Sydney. Dissatisfied with painting, she turned to filmmaking, creating her first short film in 1980 and graduating from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in 1984. Her short film *Peel* won the Short Film Palme d'Or at Cannes. She was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to film.
Reader's Guide
Jane Campion is a New Zealand filmmaker recognized as a significant figure in cinema, particularly for her focus on feminist themes, sexuality, and the conflict between independence and submission. She has won two Academy Awards and received multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Campion first gained attention with her feature debut *Sweetie*, but is best known for writing and directing *The Piano* (1993) and *The Power of the Dog* (2021). Her other notable films include *An Angel at My Table* (1990), *The Portrait of a Lady* (1996), *Holy Smoke!* (1998), and *Bright Star* (2009). She also co-created the television series *Top of the Lake* (2013) and its sequel *China Girl* (2017). Born in Wellington, New Zealand, to a theatre family, Campion initially studied anthropology and painting before turning to filmmaking. Her art school background, influenced by painters Frida Kahlo and sculptor Joseph Beuys, shaped her cinematic style. Her early short film *Peel* (1982) won the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes. *The Piano* earned her the Palme d’Or and an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, making her only the second woman nominated for Best Director at that time. She was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for services to film.
Did You Know?
- Jane Campion received the Leopard of Honour (Pardo d’Onore Manor) at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in 2024.
- The 77th Locarno Film Festival was held from 7 August to 17 August 2024.
- The Leopard of Honour is one of the special awards presented at the Locarno Film Festival.
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