Seeds of Gold

In 1977, Salifa and her mother, Marta, escape the turmoil of the Lebanese civil war to start a new life on a farm in rural New South Wales, Australia. As they struggle to adapt to their new life, rumors begin to spread about a possible gold discovery on the farm, adding an unexpected twist to their journey.

Written, directed, and produced by: James Elazzi

Production Team:

• Producer / 1st AD: Amanda Torrisi

• Executive Producer: Nola Bartolo

Cast:

• Salifa: Violette Ayad

• Hayda: Nola Bartolo

• Boss: Simon Elrahi

• Roger: Antony Makhlouf

• Deena: Deborah Galanos

• Marta: Viviane Makhouf

• Layla: Antoinette Barbouttis

Extras:

• Farmer 1: Philip D'Ambrosio

• Farmer 2: Giselle Makhlouf

• Farmer 3: Harry Stacy

• Farmer 4: Bailey Sintras

Crew:

• Cinematographer: Nicolas Nalbandian

• Editor: Lachlan Clarke

• Colour Grader: Nicholas Andrews

• Original Music Composition: Paul Nicolaou

• Costume Designer: Tess Torrisi

• Costume Standby: Amy-Rose Jackson

• Sound: Dante Florez

• Sound 2: David Do

• Post-Production Sound Design: Callum Davidson

• Sound Assistant: Lachlan Clarke

• 1st AC: Ian Tamawid Jaja

• 1st AC: Chris Le Page

• 1st AC / Gaffer: Harry Holder

• 2nd AC: Lyndon McPherson

• 2nd AC / Gaffer: Hiruni Dharmasena

• 3rd AC: Marty Korn

• Best Person: Ryan Casey

• Production Designer: Melinda Cluer

• Design Assistant: Henriette Gabreal, Emma Kew

• 2nd AD: Natesha Ham

• 3rd AD: Matt Bostock, Kate Wilson

• Gaffer / Best Person: Nova Khang

• Photography BTS / Stills: Teniola Komolafe

• Hair and Makeup Designer: Ann Hassarati

• Hair Stylist: Jess Swed

• Intimacy Coordinator & Location: Trish Speers / Peter Speers

• Voice Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley

• Runner: Jessica Issa, Alana Ambados

Critical Acclaim for Seeds of Gold

Powerhouse Museum describes the film as:

“James Elazzi scatters hopes and dreams as a group of migrants from the Lebanese Civil War toil as farm labourers under the hot Australian sun... What sustains them in the haze of heat is the tantalising prospect of gold and also the memory of life back in Lebanon.” (Powerhouse Museum)

FilmFreeway highlights the film's international recognition:

“Officially selected for eight international film festivals, including those in France, Florence, Prague, Lebanon, and Sydney.”

Director's Insight

James Elazzi shares his vision for the film:

“Seeds of Gold is a deeply personal project for me. It’s a story about the complexities of identity and belonging, focusing on the Lebanese migrant experience in Australia. I wanted to explore the strength and resilience of a family trying to rebuild, but also the tensions that come from seeking something new while still holding onto the past.”

“The gold discovery is symbolic of more than just wealth—it represents hope, opportunity, and the dreams that we carry with us when we start over in a new place. It’s about finding something precious in the most unexpected of places.”

“While the characters in Seeds of Gold are part of a specific Lebanese-Australian experience, their struggles with family, loyalty, and self-discovery are universal. I hope audiences from all backgrounds will be able to connect with the themes of the film.”