Lisa Albert and partner Vincent Lamberti are bringing a new documentary to television screens around Australia this Sunday which discusses a horrific crime and the issue of family violence.
Lisa, formerly of Lakes Entrance, and Vincent, are the producer and director of KillJoy, which provides a deep dive into Kathryn Joy’s journey as she manages the lifelong impacts and mental health challenges as she unravels what happened to her mother.
Kathryn grew up with her father, who was found to have killed her mother.
She was just three months old when the incident occurred. Her father was found not guilty and served only 22 months in prison for manslaughter.
The documentary details the trauma Kathryn suffered growing up and her mission to shed a light on family violence issues which plague regional towns.
“The film is set in a small regional town where silence and shame override people’s truths,” Lisa said.
“I hope KillJoy helps ignite local discussions and anyone with lived experience finally feels seen as a result of watching KillJoy.
“There is no good time to talk about family violence hence why we have to talk about it.
“We need to normalise these discussions and experiences because it affects so many, particularly in regional areas.”
A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
Lisa grew up at Lake Tyers Beach in the 1980s, the same time the crime in the film occurred.
Lisa has always had tremendous support from those closest to her as she persued her dreams.
“The amazing sense of community I felt as a child growing up there has always stayed with me,” she said.
“I imagine many who grew up there at the time feel the same.
“My mother is Julie Albert (dec’d). My father is Terry Albert and my step-mother is Carolyn Paten. They all have and continue to be huge influences and supports in my life.
“My incredibly stoic grandmothers Gwen Newman and Betty Albert (dec’d) are my heroes.
“My brothers are Damien and Matthew Albert who have been such big supports throughout my life.”
Lisa attended Toorloo Arm Primary School until grade five before she moved to St Brendan’s for grade six.
Lisa went to Nagle College and finished her VCE at Bairnsdale Secondary College.
FINDING INSPIRATION
It was a teacher at Bairnsdale Secondary College who opened Lisa’s world and deep desire for social analysis (Chris Taylor).
“I remember Chris sent us home to analyse the storylines and deeper meaning behind an Archie Roach album Looking for Butter Boy – this opened up my world,” Lisa recalled.
She then completed a degree in Anthropology and specialised in Ethnography (the study of people, their culture, customs, habits etc.) and ethnographic film.
Lisa also has a Graduate Diploma in Film and Television Producing.
She started working as a researcher and caseworker for Link Up in Alice Springs, researching, locating and reconnecting First Nation families affected by the Government’s formal and informal act of child removal, known as The Stolen Generations.
A PASSION FOR STORYTELLING
Lisa has been making and producing film content for 15 years, always on a social justice issue.
“I’ve been passionate about storytelling, uncovering deeper truths and rewriting long standing historical narratives for as long as I can remember,” Lisa said.
“This pursuit often means you uncover acts of injustice, silencing and trauma which I am equally passionate about.
“Film has the power to inspire, educate and change societies’ understanding of themselves and others.
“So I am interested in impacting society in the most effective way and film does that.”
Lisa has produced numerous short films for SBS and NITV as well as shorts for non-profits and cultural institutions.
Lisa and Vincent have also worked locally with Lennie Hayes, Mr Harrision (dec’d), Frances Harrison and Catherine Larkins on oral history videos about the region.
KillJoy is a Stan original available only on Stan.
