Kris Kerehona
I’m a Canberra-based documentary photographer, filmmaker, and versatile audio-visual producer, with a career spanning nearly two decades. My body of work is characterised by a profound exploration of 'place,' culture, and the arts, reflecting a deep commitment to capturing authentic narratives.
I have contributed to Australia's cultural landscape, not only through my independent creative endeavours but also through my involvement with national cultural institutions.
My documentary approach is often described as employing a sense of intimacy and informality with very little sensationalism. This, combined with my photographic aim to capture the authentic, often unseen, essence of locations, is a deliberate choice towards genuine representation, allowing for deeper and more nuanced storytelling.
I am available for assignments in the Australian Capital Territory and greater New South Wales.
-
![Group of women in traditional Indian attire performing a dance on stage in a dimly lit indoor venue.]()
Photography Commissions
Documenting cultural events, festivals, or local traditions for travel, lifestyle, or culture magazines. Creating photo essays that explore the daily life and social issues of a specific region.
-
![Person in white traditional attire standing in ornate building interior with stained glass windows and decorative railings.]()
NGO/Non-Profit Work
Documenting the work of NGOs and non-profits in communities around the world, focusing on social issues and human stories. Creating visual narratives that raise awareness about environmental issues or cultural preservation.
-
![A speaker on stage at a conference, with large screens displaying a presentation and the letters 'AIATSIS' visible. The stage is set with professional lighting and curtains.]()
Corporate/Commercial Projects
Documenting the history and culture of a company or organisation for internal or external publications. Creating visual content for tourism boards or local businesses that highlights the unique character of a destination.
-
![A framed photograph of a nighttime city intersection with streetlights in foggy conditions, illuminated by various colors such as orange and blue, placed against a blurred background of a building with lit windows.]()
Online Content/Web Series
Producing short form documentary content for web based platforms
-
![Elderly man in white sweater standing on a wooden deck with patio furniture.]()
Documentary Films
Creating short or long-form documentaries that explore cultural traditions, social issues, or historical events.
-
![Performers in tribal costume dancing with body paint in a dimly lit space]()
NGO/Non-Profit Films:
Creating films that raise awareness about social issues or promote the work of NGOs and non-profits. Producing educational films that document cultural traditions or environmental issues.
-
Awards
2021 Australia Day Staff Achievement Award, Department of Infrastructure
2019 Napier Waller Art Prize: Shortlisted Artist, Australian War Memorial
2017 Australian War Memorial Reward Recognition
2015 Canberra Critics Circle Award for Documentary Filmmaking
2015 Winner Best Film, Canberra Short Film Festival
2009 Winner Best Film, Canberra Short Film Festival
2009 Critics Circle Award for Documentary Filmmaking
-
Publications
2017 Canberra Times: Patricia Picciccini, (Video)
2017 Sydney Morning Herald: Sam Jinks, (Video)
2017 Sydney Morning Herald: Marc Quinn, (Video)
2017 The Age: Marc Quinn, 2017 (Video)
2017 Imprint Magazine, 2014 Mike Parr 2014 (Still image)
2014 Art Guide Australia, Ben Quilty & Shaun Gladwell, (Video)
2014 Capital Magazine, (Still image)
2014 Wartime Magazine, Operation Philippines Assist (Still image)
2014 Canberra Times, Locks of Love (Still image)
2013 ABC Canberra, A Long Life (Video)
-
Commissions
2024: National Library of Australia, Canberra Australia. Documenting the Indian - Australian Diaspora.
2024: National Museum of Australian Democracy: Documenting the Enlightened Festival.
2023: Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Summit, Perth WA: Lead photograph documenting keynote speakers, community leaders and scholars.
2021: Melbourne Art Centre: photojournalist project documenting the impact of Covid 19 on the Canberra Theatre Industry.
2020: Theatre Arts Decimation during Covid-19, Arts Centre Melbourne: Created a photographic documentary project capturing the impact of the pandemic on the performing arts industry.
2019: Aboriginal Memorial Poles Documentary, Arnhem Land: Directed and filmed a documentary exploring the cultural significance and stories behind these powerful monuments.
2016: ANZAC Centenary Print Portfolio Documentary, Australian War Memorial: Produced a documentary examining the historical and artistic context of artist’s response to the Centenary of the First World War.
2015: The Centenarians Documentary, Australian Association of Gerontology: Captured the wisdom and experiences of long-lived individuals in this touching documentary.
2014: Operation Render Safe Documentary, Official Cinematographer, Australian War Memorial: Documented the Australian Defence Force's bomb disposal mission in Cambodia.
2013: Operation Philippines Assist Documentary, Official Cinematographer, Australian War Memorial: Filmed the Australian Defence Force's humanitarian assistance efforts in the Philippines.
-
Exhibitions
2022: Voices of Veterans Exhibition Launch (Video Production), Government House, Canberra
2022: March to Art: Place - Veterans Arts Exhibition (Curated by Bruce Copland), No Vacancy Gallery, Melbourne, Victoria
2019: Last Man Standing (Highly Commended), Napier Waller Art Prize, Australian War Memorial, ACT
2018: Vom Engel ins Gesicht Gespukt (Spit on the Face of an Angel), Audio-Visual, Jena Theatrehaus, Jena, Germany
Solo Exhibitions:
2019: Bare Witness, Huw Davies Gallery M16 ArtSpace, Canberra, ACT
2017: Where We Walk / Where Are You Going?, PhotoAccess, Canberra, ACT