CAST & CREW
Markita Eve Bond - ( as herself )
“I know who I am...I actually really LOVE who I am. I wasn’t always this way...so I’m told.
Apparently, I used to be someone...I don’t remember, or recognise. But I’m okay with all that...and I hope that you are too. I love you...I love ALL of you.”
Witness Markita’s incredibly shocking, beautiful, uplifting story as shared with never before seen raw courage, truth, beauty and humility.
Literally “born” again, in 2012...a child trapped in a former man’s shell, Markita’s story defies all scientific, medical, historical precedent, knowledge and consensus.
Discover why the medical “experts” are flat out baffled and whether it’s even possible to turn “tragic into magic.”
Markita may literally be the only individual example on earth of this incredible, unbelievable, stunning “phenomenon.”
But what does it all mean? How does it apply to the rest of humanity?
And is there any glimmer of hope that Markita might be a reminder, a torchbearer, a mirror of our incredible potential to triumph over seemingly impossible, extraordinary circumstances?
Inevitably, not everyone will believe Markita’s story.
Her odyssey transcends all prior known established benchmarks of human nature.
Her vilification may continue. Or, it might end.
Either way, so much rests on this astonishing documentary of her short life, and, only time will tell how this saga ultimately ends.
“I’ve only been alive a fairly short time. My passion is Australian Rules Football.
But, if my story saves just one life...then it’s all been worthwhile.”
Andrew Dudek - Writer/Director/Producer
From the moment he first met her almost six years ago, actor and director/producerAndrew instinctively felt that Markita’s story is one that had to be shared...far and wide.
The story is at once a tale of hope, redemption, triumph over adversity, and the seemingly alchemical power of unconditional love to transmute pain to joy, trauma to love, and despair to healing.
On a personal note, Markita has touched and profoundly uplifted me...as indeed she has done with all our cast and crew!
I humbly hope a wider audience might get to experience all the audacious joy, purity, raw emotion, honesty and ultimate love that resides in Markita...and all of human kind.”
Andrew was classically trained as an actor in Adelaide at a very early age, including under the legendary late, great Bruno Knez of La Mama Theatre, and Polish mime and acting legend, Wojczyk Fibarek.Andrew also once teamed with Adelaide’s living legend Peter Goers, starring and co-producing in South Australian and Australian premiere productions, including Amadeus, playing Mozart opposite Edwin Hodgewin ( Dr Dealgood in Mad Max 3 ), Kiss Of The Spider Woman ( winner - best actor award, Adelaide Advertiser ) and Biloxi Blues ( playing Sgt Toomey ).
For Independent Theatre, Andrew featured in the World Premiere production of the screen adaptation of East of Eden, at the Adelaide Festival Playhouse ( attended in person by Steinbeck’s widow ).
In Queensland, Andrew worked with Gold Logie winner Rowena Wallace in her first ever feature film, Ryder Country, the late, great Pete Sumner ( Star Wars, Ned Kelly ), and Conrad Coleby ( Home and Away, Sea Patrol, Underbelly ).
Andrew produced, co- wrote and co-directed this full length feature film, which became the nominated “Official Selection” at the Inaugural Noosa International Film Festival in 2017.
He also produced and featured in various Queensland based documentary films, short films, and a TV Pilot sci-fi series.
In front of camera, He appeared in various US Studio produced films, including Pirates of the Caribbean 5, Kong - Skull Island, Dora The Explorer, and also the blockbuster Chinese produced feature film, At Last.
Also in Queensland he featured in TV and online commercials, voice over and other roles including appearances in the ABC hit TV series Harrow.
Since returning to Adelaide in 2019, Andrew assembled a production team including Adelaide’s award winning DOP Maxx Corkindale ( Mortal Combat, The Australian Dream ), and Adelaide’s award winning DOP Jason Mildwaters ( Cracks ) Adelaide’s Beyond Content and The Basement Studios, to develop, co-write, produce, and direct the full length feature documentary film, I Am Markita.
I Am Markita also features the multi-faceted/talented Adelaide director/writer/ producer/actor Georgina Hahn, and world renowned QLD based Bollywood actress and choreographer Shelley Marshall ( Flashdance, Chicago ) as artistic director and choreographer.
Jason Mildwaters - Cinematographer
Jason’s passion, creativity and brilliant innovative visual instincts epitomise the craft of
Australian cinematography.
In 2010 Jason worked with Australian band “The Sundance Kids” on
Where She Wants Me”.
In 2012 he worked on music videos for Sony, filming the behind the scenes videos for the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Taylor Henderson and Dami Im to name a few.
He was involved in producing over 25 music videos for the band "At Sunset", which received over 3 million views on YouTube .
Jason has also extensively worked on many overseas locations, producing music videos in Malaysia and environs.
In 2020 he was involved in a live streaming production called “Grape Live Stream” where he filmed iconic Australian band “The Angels”.
Over the past several years Jason have been working with world renowned Adelaide band
“Hindley Street Country Club” , filming their live performances and also local band “Sing It Live” on their public live performances.
And have done extensive work with local Oboe artist Celia Craig on her “Artaria” album which captured stunning images of South Australian outback and Flinders Ranges.
In 2008, driven by an unwavering passion, Jason Mildwaters embarked on a transformative journey, birthing JLM Studios to manifest his childhood dream of crafting world-class videos. The odyssey commenced humbly, with inventive use of household items and limitless imagination. From music videos to pioneering filming techniques, Jason harnessed creativity in its purest form. His ingenious methods ranged from repurposing old granny walker frames for dolly shots to fashioning homemade PVC dolly tracks, and ingeniously engineering backyard lighting rigs—unconventional paths to capture his vision.
Since those modest beginnings, Jason has continually refined his art, embracing the forefront of innovation. He's invested in a formidable arsenal of industry-standard equipment, including steadicams, camera booms, cutting-edge 4K cameras, an array of sophisticated lighting tools, and various accessories designed to excel across diverse requirements and environments.
A testament to his prowess, Jason Mildwaters has earned two awards and four international short film nominations.
I Am Markita is Jason's first feature length film and is the culmination of several years as cinematographer
as well as numerous post production services on this project.
"It was such a shocking and unbelievable true story that captivated me as well as the entire cast and crew.
I believe this film's story has an uplifting and inspirational message for all humanity".
View the trailer for "Cracks" here
Shelley Marshall - Artistic Director/Choreographer/Actress sh2ll2y@gmail.com
Click on pdf for Shelley's extensive bio
From a young age, Shelley has been passionate about the performing arts, focusing on both acting and dancing. She has extensive international performance experience, which includes working in the Bollywood industry performing in Music Videos, TV Shows, Feature films as well as global awards shows. Here in Australia, Shelley has also worked in various feature films, music videos, short films and documentaries.
Shelley shares her enthusiasm for film with her love of the stage, featuring in plays such as Butterflies Are Free, Popping Lead Balloons, Not Now Darling and It Came from the Couch as well as musicals including Chicago, Cabaret, The Producers and Pajama Game to name a few. In highly successful cabaret productions with Oscar Theatre Company, Shelley performed in numerous numbers, including as an aerialist.
Venturing on a performance tour to New York, Shelley attended classes at Broadway Dance Centre as well as various acting and improvisation workshops led by cast in the Broadway production of Chicago. In 2011, Shelley graduated the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Drama and a second major in Dance. She has trained in NIDA’s screen acting intensive, taken directing workshops and TV Screenshot audition courses.
Over the years, Shelley has been performing entertaining and educational children’s shows, travelling throughout Queensland and New South Wales with various companies. Shelley has taught the acting component of musical theatre classes for many years, also teaching at a prestigious Performing Arts School in Singapore.
Shelley has since taken time out from the industry to raise a family 2010 and is excited to be back in front of the camera.
Shelley has previously choreographed for both stage and film, locally and
internationally. Her choreography has even featured in music videos in theBollywood industry. Her musical theatre choreography includes Flashdance
The Musical, FAME, Oliver!, Popping Lead Balloons, Pajama Game and more.Shelley is excited to be Choreographing the upcoming production of I AM
MARKITA and is looking forward to bringing this unique and compelling story
to life.
Leanne Williamson - Multiple cast/crew/production roles
Cast member, production coordinator, dancer, choreographer, actor and all round prolific and selfless crewmember, Leanne is an astonishing testament to the spirit of how ( and why ) Australian Indie films can be produced to exacting standards on shoestring budgets.
Leanne started performing at the ripe age of 2, and modelled from the age of 7 in catwalks, magazines, billboards, TV Week and featured in Australian TV Commercials for many large Australian companies. Leanne evolved to performing, choreographing and producing live shows in aerial, fire dance and pole dance for gala balls, charity events, parties, Fringe shows, and much more.
Leanne owns 2 aerial and pole dance schools in Adelaide Australia, Pole4fitness which she choreographs, trains and guides performers for performances, competitions and personal development.
Leanne’s passion is to see her students achieve new goals are evident when she talks about her studio.
When cast for I am Markita as the pole dancer, she was not expecting to become so invested emotionally with the production, and rapidly transitioned into other roles as an interviewee, production co-ordinator, aerialist, choreographer, and casting manager for the 120 dancers of different genres bringing many schools together from Adelaide to cast/co-produce the “What A Feeling!” finale, under the expert choreography of world renowned artistic director and Bollywood actress, Shelley Marshall.
“For me, it was a very rewarding task. Over this time I was privileged to become friends with Markita, even assisting her to her wedding gown fittings and Markita openly sharing her story with me and my daughter.”
“I am unconditionally non-judgemental in relation to people’s sexual/gender orientation etc, but meeting Markita just took that to a whole new level! Markita's incredible journey was so unique, that working on this project became a passion to get her story out there for the world to see. Sharing this experience with Markita has been my most rewarding career achievement!
The best part was she was able to share this journey with her daughter Annie who was an assistant choreographer/dance coach, lead dancer, aerialist and pole dancer, when Leanne was interviewed about working with her daughter she was emotional about sharing such an experiance with her. Leanne says she can’t wait to stand with Markita as she showcases her documentary I am Markita!
Production Lawyer/Executive Producer
Award winning (2024) entertainment lawyer Shaun Miller has been I Am Markita’s experienced pair of “safe hands” as well as providing invaluable depth and dimension to this project since development first started in 2019.
Unsurprisingly, Shaun has described Markita as being truly “one of a kind” and believes her story is destined to achieve widespread critical acclaim and acceptance.
Shaun is the principal of Shaun Miller Lawyers which is a sole practice law firm that specialises in film end entertainment law. The firm predominantly acts for producers who make film content, including documentary feature films. He has specialised in film and entertainment law for over 20 years.
Shaun has lectured in film and entertainment law at the VCA Film and TV School and RMIT University for over 20 years. He regularly presents sessions at various film conferences and film festivals.
Board positions include chair of the VCA Film and TV School Course Advisory Committee. Previous boards served on include Channel 31 (Melbourne Community Television) and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. He is a Senior Fellow at the University of Melbourne within the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music. Volunteer positions include the Stonnington Free Legal Service.
Shaun has over 300 “legals” credits and over 50 “executive producer” credits on IMDb.
Annie Stovell - Dancer/Choreography Assist/Aerialist/Silks/Poles
Gifted young Australian artists rarely showcase their sublime and versatile talents as emphatically and astonishingly as Annie!
Annie has been dancing since she was two years old. She was most likely “born” with a passion for performing ( thanks to mum and fellow cast member Leanne Williamson ) and has been training aerial arts since she was 10 years old.
Annie has been teaching dance and aerial skills since she was 11 years, and has throughly enjoyed the past 17 years of dance! Here are just a few of her previous achievements and career highlights:
⋅ 2013 Performed in production Aladdin
⋅ 2015 Performed in production Jungle book
⋅ 2015 Miss junior Dance KAR nationals winner
⋅ 2016 Performed in production Peter Pan
⋅ 2016 runner-up Miss Junior Dance KAR SA
⋅ 2016 Performed on main stage Disneyland LA, street parade, Universal studios LA main stage and Madam Tussauds, LA
⋅ 2017 performed in the production Emoji (Adelaide Fringe)
⋅ 2017 Performed on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship main stage for several performances travelling in Vanuatu and environs
⋅ 2018 performed in 1902 ( Adelaide Fringe)
⋅ 2018 Australian Amateur Pole Performer ( Runner Up )
⋅ 2018 Won SA CGM modelling championship
⋅ 2018 CGM National qualifier
⋅ 2019 Performing in Disneyland Hong Kong main stage and parade, K11 art mall and Ocean World main stage.
. 2021 Follow Your Dreams Nationals Dance - 1st place troupe dance winner.
When Annie was asked to be a part of I AM MARKITA she didn’t know what to expect, but after joining the cast/crew and just working on the set for one day...she was hooked!
“The entire cast and crew was truly an amazing group of people and we all became family very quickly, it’s hard not to bond over such an emotional story”
Annie was assistant choreographer, lead dancer, aerialist, pole dancer and dance coach on the set of I AM MARKITA.
“It was/is truly an honour to see the film come to life and be a part of the whole creative process, meeting Markita, learning about her shocking, beautiful, incredible life and her journey through it all was so undeniably inspiring, and i’m glad to be able to call her my friend now”
I am just so excited to be apart of I AM MARKITA and to see where the future takes this film and to be a part of “showing the world” the Markita story!
Enzo Fardone - Cast member ( as himself )
A passionate, innovative published author, impresario, actor, and voracious researcher, Enzo has held numerous director and chairperson positions with multiple South Australian Theatre companies, including La Mama and Prod Art Theatre.
With La Mama Enzo also featured in and directed plays including The Club by David Williamson, One for the Road by Harold Pinter, and Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe,
and Japanese Noh plays.
Enzo also participated in film studies with one of Australia's leading directors, Scott Hicks, which inspired him to set up with friends Prod Art - Produzioni Artistiche, a multicultural theatre company showcasing original plays and interstate theatre productions.
He also provided acting classes for the unemployed and refugees some of whom later gained opportunities of employment in professional theatre, casting agencies and Arts departments.
Enzo was also the director of the eminently illustrious entertainment company Proscenium Adelaide, which operated a music venue and theatre showcasing live bands, musicians from around Australia and overseas. The company also presented many theatre and film productions which gave me the opportunity to participate in several short films produced and directed by graduates of Flinders University.
“Following on from my film experiences as director of Proscenium I was lead actor in short films by local director Dick Dale.
Mark Bond, at that time, was a good friend and employee of mine at Proscenium venue who later experienced his inexplicable reversal of gender coupled with the onset of global amnesia. At the time I thought it was necessary to bring his life changing experience to the screen. This opportunity came in 2018 /19 when I first told his amazing story to my friend and producer, Andrew Dudek. And, as the saying goes, the rest is history”
Had it not been for Enzo’s years long endearing friendship with Mark ( and later Markita ), his serendipitous sharing of this incredible saga and introducing of Markita to Andrew, I Am Markita might never have happened. In this sense Enzo will always be fondly and gratefully remembered as the “spiritual doyen” of this production.
What inspired me most about Markita's odyssey
By Enzo Fardone
For most of my life I have been searching for the miraculous both in science and religion. Many of the inventions of modern science would have been described as miracles by our ancestors. None more so than the possibility of transformation or rebirth of a human being into something higher than ordinary consciousness.
Perhaps a new physical, emotional and mental makeover revealing the god-like qualities hidden deep within the Self like the caterpillar undergoing a metamorphosis and soaring into the sky a multi-colored butterfly.
The unexplainable changes which have happened to my dear friend Mark who has now become a totally different person and even the opposite of the personality he once was and will never again be is so extraordinary it is almost beyond belief.
Yet over the years I witnessed the sudden transformation almost as if it came out of the blue like a newborn baby. The flowering of Markita into a different, separate and even a spiritual woman transcending the religious limits of Mark’s Christian faith and his former life is an amazing encounter with the miraculous.
She is now a dear friend of mine as Mark was when he was around, so I do not consider it a loss of my friendship with Mark knowing that of life all life and each individual consciousness evolves closer to the divine archetype which all of us in our own special and unique way is the earthly expression.
So now I continue to enjoy the warm femininity, creativity, playful, and insightful aspects of Markita’s life together with her innate intuitive understanding, empathy and love in this new chapter of both our lives on this very amazing journey.
I am so proud of Markita and have been enjoying our remarkable cinematic experience in the production of the documentary I Am Markita.
Athena Kerry - Actress / playing “Skylar” and as herself/production assistant roles.
Athena delivers an electrifying feature film debut performance in I Am Markita, as nightclub owner Skylar. A passionate actress, this break through role is equally serendipitous by reason of the fact that Athena has personally known Markita as a loved family friend for over ten years.
Athena has been involved in all forms of the creative arts and studiedVisual Arts at UniSA in 2007-2008.
She featured in an Adelaide Fringe Festival 2007 with her own photography exhibition, and
was involved in a New and Upcoming Photographers exhibition 2007 at NEWJAY Arts Gallery. and in 2008 featured in Adelaide Feast Festival for photography exhibition Clowning Around at CarClew.
Athena has also appeared in Dick Dale’s Trasharama A-GO-GO short film, (playing a zombie dancer).
Athena obtained a Diploma in Event Management (2012-2014) and was a proud
grass roots supporter of her craft after gaining a Certificate for Volunteering for the Adelaide Fringe Festival In 2013. Also for the
Adelaide Fringe Festival Athena worked for Tim Motley overseeing marketing and playing a promo girl for 2 Ruby Knockers 1 Jaded Dick: A Dirk Darrow Investigation In 2014 & 2015, a role which later travelled to the Melbourne Comedy Festival In 2015.
At the 2016 Adelaide Fringe Festival she was promo girl for Patrick McCullagh & Tim Motley’s show Prohibition.
Athena is also currently taking belly dancing lessons with Adelaide’s world renowned Nayima Hassan ( who herself also appears in I Am Markita ).
Apart from her passion for acting, Athena loves fashion
styling, animals, dancing, theatre, singing, and boxing. Having also worked in the medical fraternity for many years, Athena has deep great compassion and empathy for people.
Through her work and creative passion, it is Athena’s desire to touch people on an emotional level and inspire them to release their ultimate inner strengths.
“I Am Markita” represents an opportunity to use my passion, skills and training, and direct these energies towards being of service to humanity, and delivering hope and blessings for our entire future...one soul at a time! If you really want to understand what miracles humanity is capable of, please, please, please take the time to reflect on Markita’s unbelievable journey!”
Ian Gibbins ( as himself )
Video artist / Poet / Musician / Scientist
Ian Gibbins is a highly-successful video artist, poet, and electronic musician working across diverse styles and media. His award-winning poetry videos and video art have been shown to acclaim at festivals, exhibitions and installations around the world and have won or been short-listed for multiple awards. His audio and video work has been commissioned or selected for high-visibility public art programs locally, nationally and internationally. Ian’s poetry has been short-listed for many national prizes and has been selected for several anthologies, including Best Australian Poems and Best Australian Science Writing. Ian has published four collections of poetry: Urban Biology (2012); The Microscope Project: How Things Work (2014, with artists Catherine Truman and Deb Jones); Floribunda (2015, with artist Judy Morris) and A Skeleton of Desire (2019). He has collaborated widely with artists on projects bridging art and science, culminating in several major exhibitions (2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023), and two projects with Australian Dance Theatre (2010, 2012). More recently, he has been collaborating with performing artists to create events integrating video and live action. Ian has a central role running the Adelaide Festival of Ideas and works extensively to support the Adelaide poetry and spoken word scene.
Until his retirement in 2014, Ian was a neuroscientist and Professor of Anatomy at Flinders University, South Australia, having originally trained as a zoologist. He was internationally recognised for his research on the microscopic organisation of the nerves communicating between the spinal cord and the internal organs, with more than 120 papers and book chapters on the subject, garnering around 5000 citations. He also had a major role in designing, implementing and teaching the innovative Flinders Medical Program. Along the way, he won awards for his research, teaching and curriculum development, and communicating science to the public. He was awarded Emeritus Professor from Flinders University and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Göteborg.
Although no longer an active scientist, Ian continues to keep track of the latest developments across many fields of neuroscience, zoology, botany, and the environment. He is regularly invited to talk or write about the links between science and the arts. Various aspects of science inform and underpin much of his creative work.
It was both rewarding and challenging to be asked to comment on the neuroscience that could underlie Markita’s unique life experience. We know an incredible amount about how the brain works and how its various functions contribute to our interactions with both the external world and our internal representations of it via different forms of memory, learning, and imagination. But, just as crucially, there is still a vast amount that we do not know about brain function. So it was really wonderful to meet Markita and talk with her about her story. I am not clinically trained and it is important to emphasise that I was in no position, nor would it have been appropriate, to try to form some kind of diagnosis. What the science tells us is that the brain is a remarkable organ, and within very wide limits, almost anything is possible. What Markita’s story tells us is that not all possibilities have obvious explanations. And that is where art comes in, not least the art of film, which allows us to share the compelling narratives of remarkable people... people like Markita!
Zoran Paovic - 2nd Unit Cinematographer / cast member
Zoran is a multi talented, versatile, passionate and innovative videographer, photographer, sound and lighting technician, as well as an editor and producer with over 20 years experience working in TV and Radio throughout Eastern Europe and ultimately Australia.
He is the winner of 3 International Grammy Awards in 2018, 2019 & 2020 for the RAH Hospital Trauma Department, filmed and produced via a series of world wide educational videos for “Surgical Techniques” in collaboration with and under the guidance of the esteemed Professor Solomon Bogdan.
Other notable and ongoing achievements include:
• 175th Anniversary of the State Government House Adelaide - Filming and Production
• Videographer for “Legends of Aussie Rock” editing, filming, post-production and direction.
• International Guitar Festival ( filming, editing, post production and direction )
• Tomich Wines and Vigara Wines, promotional video for marketing purposes, produced, directed, filmed and VO etc in post-production.
• Mother's Day Classic, Breast Cancer Fundraiser , filming and production.
• Producing, filming and editing film content for private and corporate events throughout Australia.
• Music Video Clips for Australian artists, filming, editing and photography.
Zoran sees himself as a natural creative with humility and an instinctive eye for detail.
“The miracle of Markita’s life and her journey has deeply impacted me...on both a creative and personal level. I can only humbly thank God for Markita’s gift to humanity...I pray that her story will uplift and inspire individuals, cultures and souls throughout the world.
May Markita’s unbelievably beautiful, true story bring peace and joy to all who witnesses this!”
Gabriel (“Gabs”) Agostino - Sound Engineer / Recordist
Grammy winner (2019, Soweto Gospel Choir’s album Freedom) and Two times ARIA nominated Gabs Agostino is a freelance Recording and mix engineer/producer based in Adelaide South Australia.
He has been the main recording and mix engineer at Chapel Lane Studios for 8 years before becoming a freelance engineer. He also worked for ABC Classic FM and Radio National where he recorded and mixed a wide variety of ensembles and artists such as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Shaolin Afronauts, The Pop Group(From Bristol), etc as well as creating sound design for programs like Poetica.
Since 2020, Gabs has worked with The Adelaide Chamber Singers, Youth Choir and Festival Statemen Chorus. Gabs also mixed Indy Stanton’s single Like Me, and albums for Velvet Genie and Claire Chittelborough. 2022 saw Gabs record Mark Simeon Ferguson’s album Where Emus Roam The Streets for ABC Records, Noasis, Tom Oldfield, The Birds are Spies and Dusk To Dawn.
Gabs has also worked as an Audio Post Production engineer for South Aussie With Cosie(Season 8 and 9). It’s All Greek To Me and RAA Discovery for CH7.
2023 Saw him working on the Audio Post and mixing of the feature film I Am Markita.
Gabs recorded 4 tracks for the Soweto Gospel Choir's 2019 Grammy winning album Freedom and engineered Lowrider’s second album “Round the World” nominated for an ARIA in 2010 and Lowrider’s Third album “Black Stone”, recorded 2 tracks for Shaolin Afronauts 2011 ARIA nominated album “Flight of the Ancient”, Ben Todd’s album “twenty ten” which was on rotation on Qantas Jazz Channel and Lazy Eye's "Move Me" which won South Australian Best Blues Album of the Year 2013, “House of Trouble” 2014 “Single Malt Blues” 2015, and “Pocket The Black” 2016 which won ARBA (Australian Roots and Blues Association) album of the year award, “Whisky and Gin” 2020 also won ARBA (Australian Roots and Blues Association) album of the year award.
Gabs has engineered for Producer James Roche (Bachelor Girl), assisted producer Charles Fisher (Savage Garden, Air Supply, etc), Eric Dubowski (Weezer, Josh Stone, Faker, Arts vs Science) David Austin (George Michael, Wham, Sundance, etc), James Ash (Rogue Traders, INXS, etc) Adam Rhodes (Angus and Julia Stone, The Cat Empire, Paul Kelly, etc)
He has recorded with several artists/bands of diverse styles like Karl Lewis (Savage Garden) Kiki Courtidis, INXS, Mark Schulman (Pink) John Blackwell (Prince, Justin Timberlake), The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Ollie English, Maximo Pujol Trio ( Argentina), Hilltop Hoods, Lowrider, Sundance, Paul Kelly, The Pop Group ( from Bristol UK), Johnny McIntyre, At Sunset, Grace Bawden (Described as one of Australia's greatest operatic discoveries), Sitara, Marion Road, The Transatlantics, Shaolin Afronauts, Squeaker, The Touch, Williem Metzer, Jazz it Up, Ambush Marketing, Urban Jazz, Benjamin Ivey, The Hot Lies, Femme Fatales, The Bellephonics, Mr Goodnight, Vincent’s Chair which includes drumming by Tom Mann (Kate Ceverano), Pimpin Horus, Libby O’Donovan, Jayne Anne Power, The Lincolns and more.
He’s also mixed for AT SUNSET’s American Showcase in LA. FOH engineer for Chris Sebastian at Adelaide Uni with At Sunset, Live Engineer at Semaphore Music Festival 2016, Live engineer for The Metropolitan Orchestra 2016 and FOH for Lazy Eye at Clipsal 500 2015 as well as Croatian band Istina in 2004, 2005.
Gabs is also an accomplished musician having played the guitar since age 7, studied at the Buenos Aires Conservatorium of music as a child for 3 years, completed a diploma of commercial music TAFE and attended an associate diploma in Jazz at Adelaide University in the mid to late 90’s and toured the country and played overseas with several bands.
He's also a passionate educator for TAFE SA Sound Production department, always happy to share his knowledge and push students and future sound engineers to better themselves in this ever-changing industry.
“Markita’s story is so amazing and of course, difficult to comprehend, but the challenges of bringing sound, music and mixing to this incredible project have been a reward and a gift.”
Sabrina Bartlett
Senior Production Coordinator / 1st Assistant Director
“My favourite thing to do is meet people, learn about them, and share their story."
Sabrina, being Brisbane based, was involved in ‘I Am Markita’ both remotely and on set, starting in 2022.
Sabrina studied Film and Television at both the Queensland University of Technology and Westminster University London. She has gained experience in many different areas, including documentary, narrative, and experimental filmmaking in addition to multi-camera live show entertainment and photography.
She has worked on various projects including commercials, live shows, short films and features. She has also had personal works displayed in national festivals and in university and sport events.
Sabrina was first introduced to Markita as a production assistant helping out as work experience. She was helping organise all the extras and assisting with costume malfunctions and running to grab coffees. This is where she was able to assist Markita and really get to know her on a personal level.
After this experience, Sabrina joined the crew remotely from Brisbane as Senior Production Coordinator and Assistant Director once in Adelaide, being the main contact for all talent performers.
“During the making of this film, Markita became a wonderful friend of mine, she opened my mind and inspired me on so many different levels. I can’t wait for this film and Markita’s story to be shared with the world and inspire many more.”
Tallora DiGirolami - Hair/Makeup
Starting her career in Costume design and fashion production in 1997, Tallora originally thought costume was her passion, until 1999 at the end of her fashion education, when she did her first makeup course. It was Love at first class.
Originally inspired by Rick Baker’s work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller at age 10 and loving art, Tallora wanted to get into the film industry and become a monster and FX maker. However, not surprisingly after her first course, she fell into the fashion side of makeup, before getting into the wedding industry both of which she loves. She has worked on many commercials doing both, Hair, Makeup and Costume, so the marriage of all her qualifications can be quite handy.
After her Diploma under the training of Oscar Winning Makeup artist of Braveheart, Peter Frampton, she began to do more films, commercials, her bridal/formal work expanded and she became a makeup and beauty educator, which she has been doing since 2007.
Along her career, she has gained qualifications not only in Fashion and Makeup, but also Hair styling, Nails, Airbrush Makeup, Beauty Therapy and Training + Assessment.
Tallora was fast becoming booked out, so in 2008, Mobile Make-Overs Australia was born and Tallora gathered a team of highly skilled hair and makeup artists, all hand-picked, to make it easier for more clients to get high quality service at the best price. And due to her adoration of animals she made her business 100% cruelty free, meaning all the products she uses are not in anyway linked to animal testing or cruelty. An ethical code she values highly. She has even written 2 blogs about it on her website.
Tallora’s vision is to not only offer clients top quality affordable, cruelty free hair, makeup and beauty services for any occasion, but also to be able to offer work to talented and passionate artists all while having lots of fun. A win win situation for everyone. And with multiple awards and 5 star reviews, it’s seems she is doing something right.
My I Am Markita Experience:
It all started back in 2019, the very beginning. I walked into the makeup room knowing absolutely nothing about the adventure I was about to embark on . But from the moment I met Markita, I knew she was a genuine, beautiful person, and with such a great cast and crew, I knew this was going to be a fun job. Markita and I have been friends ever since that very first meeting.
When I first met Markita, before knowing her story, I immediately felt a sense of innocence, youth and naivity about her. She had lost her memory of the past and had to relearn everything, but she was resilient and extremely eager to learn everything that she could. Over time I learnt more and more about her and watched her as she grew into the woman she is now. In just a few short years, she has grown from a wide-eyed unassuming person to a strong independent confident and vibrant woman. She has an incredible ability to not hold a grudge and has an admirable talent to forgive, despite what she has gone through. I have the upmost respect and reverence for her. A friend for life.
Working on this documentary has been one of the most fun projects I have ever had the chance to be a part of, and I’ve worked on some crazy stuff over the years. I’ve made some great friends, have lots of fun stories to tell and a new film family. I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of it all. And wow, what an incredible story!!
Lilly Romanik - Senior Production Co-ordinator
I worked on I Am Markita as a Production Assistant from February 2021 to July 2022. It was a delightful departure from my previous working life in various administration roles. Working with Andrew and all the other creatives is so different to working with corporates. It was fun and exciting, and offered me the opportunity to meet a whole new world of people, the most intriguing of whom was of course Markita herself. She has lived through a fascinating and somewhat confounding experience. It has made her a strong, resilient woman with an important message to share - be yourself, everyone else is taken. Her story compels one to truly appreciate the importance of diversity and acceptance in our society, which can still be so judgmental and even cruel. Markita’s kindness, compassion and sheer loveliness manages to win everyone over. She’s a force of nature, a rare diamond. It was my privilege to meet her and to work with her and team on the movie, if even for a short time. I wish for her nothing but love and happiness in her lifetime.
Composers/Singers/Musicians
Melinda Cronin - Composer Musician
What inspired me to write the songs on the album ‘Waking up a woman’ was watching Markita grow as a woman and wanting to tell her amazing life story through music.
I became close friends with Markita and she became a part of my life.
I would ask her out to social and family events and be with her through the laughter and the tears. I wrote ‘hundred percent woman’ after we had seen an Elton John tribute band and where she had been insulted by an audience member. I felt her heart break and shared her tears with her that night. I wanted to tell the world she was a ‘hundred percent’ woman, through and through.
Markita continues to inspire me, on and off the footy field. She has strength, grit determination as well as a beautiful childlike innocence, and a way that makes people feel comfortable around her by her warmth, generosity and openness.
It is truly a privilege to be part of her life and this remarkable woman’s odyssey.
My Musical Journey
Rewind to 1991. My musical journey started at the Goolwa Folk
Festival under the auspices of Mr Keith Preston. I then appeared at
SCALA (Songwriters composers and lyricists association) on and off
for a few years, until I found my love for jazz music.
In 2014 I studied Jazz Voice at TAFE and sang in several popular
Jazz line-ups. I was lucky enough to play with the likes of Louise
Messenger, Dave McEvoy, James Sked, and later played corporate
shows with JC Jazz.
However my passion for song writing continued to stir inside of me
and in 2017 I commenced the degree in Popular Music and Creative
Technology at Adelaide Uni.
It was there I honed my song writing skills and explored writing for
various musical genres including musical theatre.
In 2018, I composed a 13 track children’s musical called ’Wings –
Story Butterfly Princess’ with the help of the multi -talented
Darren Mullan (Adelaide recording studios). This moving and
poignant musical touches on themes such as self-esteem, social
media and the difficulties in finding a place to belong in this at
times cruel and conformist world, especially for young people.
The next step on my journey involved meeting the wonderful
women from GendaSA (Gender diverse support group, SA) at the
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide. It was here I met someone ‘truly
unique’ and who would give me one of the greatest musical
opportunities of my life.
Enter Markita Bond, who’s life story is as about as crazy as it gets,
and who inspired me to write a 16-track album called ’Waking up a
woman’. These songs are featured in the film/documentary titled ’I
am Markita’, and will be included on the soundtrack album of the
same name.I continue to write, to be inspired by life and love and all things,
and am currently co-producing an album of my favourite original
songs, titled ‘Big Life’ with the wonderful Mr Quentin Eyers
Jolie Mystique - Actor/Dancer/Composer ( plays Indigenous “Genesis” dancer )
Underground artist Jolie is a revelatory multi-faceted Australian artist whose powerhouse vocals and method acting have also propelled him into a mental health advocate with his mesmerizing performance in Numinous Asylum, playing out his own childhood traumas, and his esoteric albums under his birth name (Azsa Wild). Jolie was born in Kokatha land with
African American and Wiradjuri roots.
As an entertainer Jolie has a chameleon aspect with an authenticity to his acts where his drive is about thought provoking content, and the embodiment of breaking free from societal oppression. Whether it be the dark artistic ventures that graced various venues around Australia or his humble beginnings with former Les Girls and cabaret that shot him to be crowned Prince of Boylesque - “Jolie is a grateful shadow as of late and yet can command any stage like a renowned pro...”
“Markita from my artistic side has inspired me to express the suppressed identity I kept, and she encouraged me to believe in a future of possibility and mass compassion.
As an individual Markita made me sense my yearning spirituality and expansive thoughts, ideas, and the notion of scientific evolution. She is a beautiful soul with a invaluable and abiding gift to share with the world.”
Dave E. Witmer - Composer/Musician
Dave E. Witmer makes music that works on many levels, across many genres, and with many dynamics in mind.
His vast spectrum of audio spans from the mellowest soul-stroking meditation with anciently tuned instruments for healing, all the way to heart pounding, and bone jarring heavy metal music.
Between those two extremes are orchestral compositions ranging from the "Romantic" era influence, to modern hybrid trailer style synth/orchestral compositions, guitar instrumental music from acoustic ballad style, to unique dance style beats, and many more dynamic and very original compositions.
Inspired by his Mother's cancer battle and the immense learning therein, Dave started "Healing Journey Music" in 2020 to produce music with healing frequencies and intentions infused because he knows the true power and scope of this amazing artform that we call "Music".
This deep knowledge is infused in all of his compositions.
What inspired Dave about Markita's journey, and the film "I Am Markita" is especially the intrigue of how this could actually happen, but it goes so much further into how a human being actually deals with this amazing situation.
The triumph over darkness and disarray through love, and dancing through the storm.
The venture into music for film is such a great and natural step for Dave E. Witmer.
Storytelling and sonically enhancing the human experience are his passion, and what comes naturally for him.
Dave has many projects in the pipeline, including "I Am Markita", and you can check his healing music etc on his website
Bailey FLOW PHNX - Composer/Musician
This sublimely talented young musician wrote and performed the stunning Hyperpop single
"Misunderstood" specifically for I Am Markita.
In Bailey's own words:
I'm an emerging Australian, hyperpop artist who strives to continually evolve, not only as an artist, but as a person. I'm looking to spotlight hyperpop here in Australia and help bring it to the forefront of our music.
Markita's journey is one that is so richly entrenched in heartbreak and resilience. Upon hearing a summary of Markita's ordeal, I was asked if I would like to write and compose a song in my genre to reflect a key moment from her life. Even before agreeing, I was already thinking of how best to portray Markita's perspective as she dealt with this sudden reality change.
Her story had me hooked.
It is a story that, through such bravery, inspires and shocks.
I choose to write in first person on how Markita would feel to lose those she once loved, and be pushed away from those who she seeks to love. The darker side to the story.
Without having yet met Markita, I was already so inspired by the events of her life that I had to condense my lyrics down to fit into a single song. Even then, I had so many ideas that I decided to add an outro that switched perspective and spoke from the aggressors toward Markita. Using phrases like "you're no longer one of us".
I really hoped to capture just a moment of the struggle that Markita endured throughout her time. And, particularly, hoped to do it justice.
Liping (Lia) Xiao - Soprano
The multi-talented, versatile artist Liping (Lia) performs two iconic songs for I Am Markita,
a timelessly classical Italian aria and a perennially loved Chinese folk song.
Li is Vice President of the Chinese Singing Association of Victoria, and head of their soloist troupe.
Lia is an Australian/Chinese soprano, and also performs a repertoire of other musical styles.
A Vocal teacher, Lia was based at the Melbourne Golden Melody International Art Training Centre,
Fang Yu Dance Art Training Center.
Over the years, Lia regularly performed at public welfare Chinese community concerts and events.
Lia was classically trained by the legendary soprano Yu Shuqin.
Lia was awarded the Achievement Award by the Minister for Multiculturalism of Victoria.
In 2021, Lia was crowned third place in the WORLD MADAM Global Finals, after successfully representing Australia as finalist and Elected Champion and "Most Photogenic Lady Award" (2021).The WORLD MADAM Competition received applications from 36 countries world wide, and 10,000 applicants.
According to Lia, “I was instantly mesmerised by Markita and her story...this is an incredible,miraculous opportunity to bring love, healing and joy to millions of souls all around the world!”.
Alexandra Amerides - Contralto
The exquisitely, prodigiously gifted, classically trained contralto/tenor, Melbourne based Alexandra was asked to record an aria from their incredible repertoire for the soundtrack that poignantly reflected Markita’s life’s meaning, trajectory and essence.
When eventually provided with the necessary insight into Markita’s life, Alexandra unhesitatingly/immediately chose to record the perennially haunting, moving, “Voce di Donna”( A Woman’s Voice ) by composer Amilcare Ponchielli ( from the opera La Gioconda ).
Beginning their dramatic career at a young age Alexandra has held scholarships with Melbourne's most distinguished ensembles and companies. Today they can be heard singing with the Australian Contemporary Opera Company; as an emerging artist with The Song Company Australia; and guest artist with Divisi Chamber Singers, as both contralto and tenor. When they are not working as a soloist in Melbourne, Amerides has been furthering their professional development in Germany. As the recipient of two consecutive full scholarships with the Opera Academy in Berlin, they made their international debut as Dryade in Ariadne auf Naxos by Strauss, and will be debuting the role of La Principessa in Suor Angelica by Puccini later this year.
Alexandra's passion for the concert hall informs their vast repertoire of music, though they will always be called to the theatre and political activism through performance art and the avant-garde. With bold strides, Alexandra aspires to follow in the footsteps of the trans and gender non-conforming artists, activists, and social outcasts who innovated the salons, streets, and stages before them. They recognise that the land they create art on is stolen land, that sovereignty was never ceded, and that this country always has and always will belong to its First Peoples.
Take a bow, Alexandra! Your courage, compassion, and this unforgettable performance at once justifies, and brings justice, and clarity, to the life of Markita.