Judas Collar

Judas Collar is a poignant, wordless short film set against the vast and unforgiving landscapes of outback Australia. Written and directed by Alison James and produced by Brooke Silcox, the film explores the haunting true story of a wild camel fitted with a tracking device known as a Judas Collar, used by hunters to betray and decimate camel herds.

Blending stunning visuals with a deeply emotional narrative, the film follows the camel's journey from freedom to betrayal, charting its descent into isolation and self-awareness.

Without dialogue, Judas Collar employs action, visual storytelling, and powerful motifs to examine themes of loyalty, loss, and the devastating impact of human intervention on nature.

Inspired by James's extensive fieldwork on Australian outback documentaries, her landmark narrative debut short film draws from the real-life practice of feral camel culling. James's research uncovered a heartbreaking element to the practice: Judas camels, burdened by their role in the slaughter of their kind, are believed to eventually isolate themselves, walking alone in a tragic display of guilt and despair.

The film has received global critical acclaim, earning Academy Accreditation and opening doors for its creators on the global stage, including representation in Los Angeles. After premiering at the Austin Film Festival, where it received the top honor for Best Narrative Short Film, it enjoyed a prestigious festival run, taking out both Best Australian Film and Best Director at the St. Kilda Film Festival, an honourable mention for Best Director at the Sydney Film Festival, and an AACTA nomination for Best Short Film. James further received the Australian Writer's Guild award for Best Short Film.

Principle development and production funding was provided by Screen West. Judas Collar was produced by Brooke Silcox of No Thing Productions, Executive Produced by Aidan O'Bryan, Jessica Mitchell and Janelle Landers of WBMC and Roz Walker of Walker Films.