Filmmaker Skips to Australian beat

When Stephen Oliver became an Australian citizen on Citizenship Day in Perth on 17 September 2009, the English-born filmmaker had more than one reason to celebrate.

Stephen commemorated his special day with an Aussie-themed party, complete with Akubra hats, lamingtons and Vegemite sandwiches at the same time as he and his friends watched the TV premiere of his own documentary.

And in the spirit of a very true blue occasion, Stephen's film is all about one of our most beloved national icons, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo.

Broadcast in the 1960s and '70s, Skippy was a regular guest in lounge rooms across Australia, and the significance that it still holds amazes Stephen.

'I was constantly surprised at how important childhood memories are for people, and the depth of feeling there was all over the world for Skippy,' Stephen said.

'I just missed it in the UK as I'm a bit too young, but I like to think it meant I could look at it objectively without being tainted by any sentimental childhood associations.'

Stephen said his unusual career as a storyteller was one of the things that lured him into becoming an Australian.

'Everyone has a story to tell about their origins. Everyone has come from somewhere down the line, and normally there is an interesting story behind it,' he said.

'For a filmmaker like me, it's fascinating.'

Stephen's own story is one of constant travel. Born in Hertfordshire in 1973, Stephen spent his early years moving between cities in England before relocating to Australia in 1999.

Stephen became a permanent Australian resident in 2004 and, after contacting the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in 2009, had his citizenship ceremony moved forward to coincide with the TV premiere of his documentary, Skippy: Australia's First Superstar.

He said becoming a citizen was the realisation of a long-held ambition.

'It was something that I had dreamed about since my first visit down under in 1992,' Stephen said.

'There's a refreshing honesty about Australians. If you meet another Australian overseas, it's comforting because the chances are you know where they stand.

'I also love the spectacular natural beauty of the country ... the beaches and landscapes, the rivers and mountains, and perhaps, above all, the sheer space the country affords you.'

Stephen met his Spanish-born partner Adriana Verges in Sydney in 2000, and the couple, who are now married, have spent several years travelling between Australia and Adriana's hometown of Barcelona.

Adriana is a marine biologist and became an Australian citizen in Perth a month after Stephen. Unfortunately, she missed his big day because she was away doing field research at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.

While Stephen said there were numerous advantages he and his wife now enjoyed as Australians, he admitted to one guilty pleasure.

'I have two teams to follow at the World Cup now, so it doubles my chances,' he said.

Having just had their first baby in Barcelona, Stephen, Adriana, and their son Leo are moving back to settle Sydney in June this year. He is currently working on a documentary about the Eurovision Song Contest.

 

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