By Jessica Ross
On July 21st, Aurora Iler won the Youth Oscar for Best Performance in a Short Film at the 45th Annual Young Artist Academy Awards. This prestigious recognition is just one of many in her burgeoning career. Her ability to captivate audiences and deliver compelling performances is evident in every project she undertakes. Aurora's talent, however, extends beyond acting; she is also a gifted director and an inspirational speaker, making her a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Aurora's list of accolades is as extensive as it is impressive. In April 2024, she was awarded the Queensland Young Achiever of the Year for her significant contribution to community and family safety. This award was a testament to her dedication to using her platform for positive change, particularly through her film "Grape." This film not only showcased her directorial prowess but also highlighted important social issues, earning it a place in 1700 public schools with a curriculum developed around it.
In March 2024, Aurora made history at the Mammoth Film Festival as the Youngest Filmmaker, further cementing her status as a trailblazer in the industry. Her talent was also recognized in October 2023 at the Lady Filmmakers Festival in Beverly Hills, where she was honored as the Best Up and Coming Actor. This accolade was a clear acknowledgment of her potential and her ability to shine in any role she undertakes.
Aurora's journey began with her win at the World Monologue Games in November 2022. Competing against talented children from around the globe, she emerged victorious with a monologue she wrote herself at just 11 years old. This early success laid the foundation for a series of triumphs, including winning Best Actress at the SF3 Film Festival in Sydney later that month.
Her ability to balance her burgeoning career with her personal life is a testament to her maturity and dedication.
She first showcased her directorial talent with the short film "Melon Head," a project she undertook at the age of 11. While it did not achieve significant success on the festival circuit, it was a crucial learning experience that paved the way for her future projects.
Her second film, "Grape," which she wrote, directed, and acted in, has been a significant milestone in her career. This film earned her numerous awards and also had a profound impact on audiences and educational institutions alike.
Aurora Iler is a symbol of inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved with talent, hard work, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Find out more about Aurora in her interview!
Tell us an inspirational moment from your childhood.
"An inspirational moment from my childhood was only recently. I was asked to speak with the entire Year 8 cohort of Moreton Bay College in Queensland. Seeing the film for the first time with an entire room of people my age, watching them feel every emotion I intended, and hearing their questions inspired me to continue creating change about important issues."
What made you choose this career path?
"I have always enjoyed entertaining people and making them laugh. When I realized I could do it for a job, I knew I had found what I was always meant to be doing."
What are some of the challenges you face?
"Some challenges I have faced include being undermined because of my age. Balancing school and my entertainment career can also be hard to juggle."
Who and what are your biggest influences/inspiration?
"Reese Witherspoon inspires me because she successfully works both in front of and behind the camera. My biggest influence is my mom, who taught me that 'if you don't ask, the answer is always no.'"
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
"Winning the Young Artist Academy Award in July 2024 is my biggest accomplishment. The hard work leading up to that moment, though unseen by many, makes it all the more rewarding."
What is your most recent project?
"My most recent project was a film called 'Magic Chalk,' made for the charity 'Rize Up.' The film follows a young mother and daughter leaving an abusive household."
What are some of your other passions?
"I enjoy sewing, singing, and spending quality time with my family and friends."
What is next on the horizon for you?
"I have written a feature film titled 'My Inheritance,' about teenage relationships. I have also submitted auditions for productions not made by myself, hoping one turns into a yes."
What is your purpose and/or mission?
"My mission is to transport people into another way of thinking, feeling, or living by creating genuine, authentic, compelling characters they can see themselves in."
Describe your upbringing/childhood and how it ties into your career.
"I am the youngest of four kids, with three big brothers. Growing up, I always looked to them for approval, and their support has taught me to believe in myself."
Tell us about your personal life and relationships.
"My family includes my mom, Catherine, my dad, Daniel, and my three brothers: Lachlan, Jackson, and Tobias. We also have a black Labrador named Zelda. I am currently in Year 8, which is high school in Australia."
What are your philanthropic efforts and core beliefs?
"I believe if you can help someone, you should. I have given my film freely to anyone it could help and offered acting opportunities to newcomers. I follow the belief, 'If not you, who? If not now, when?”
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Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Contributor Jessica Ross
Since August 2022, Jessica Ross has been a contributor at Heart of Hollywood Magazine. Recent work includes Hollywood Unexpected airing on the XOTV Network digitally and broadcast and a starring role in the upcoming suspense thriller, Mr. Smith. Recently, she was a lead and co-producer in "Chasing Stars", a comedic-drama with an all female cast and crew.
Center Stage, Vegas Unlimited, Indie Activity, Action Magazine, Voyage LA, Cinderella of New York, Juwai, Bizbooast, Heart of Hollywood, JAMO Magazine, Entertainment Network Live, It Can By You, Livein Style Magazine, BuzzFeed and CBS are just a few of the media outlets she has been featured on.
Contact Jessica
Email: Jessicaross2030@gmail.com
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