Noel Monkman
Noel Monkman was an Australian filmmaker, born in New Zealand, best known for specialising in underwater photography. He was a press photographer in New Zealand before moving to Australia and jointing the Orpheum Theatre orchestra.
He established Australian Educational Films with F.W. Thring, directing a series of educational nature films about the Great Barrier Reef. He later made several documentaries as well as two dramatic feature films. He collaborated throughout his career with his wife Kitty.
Filmink argued "Had the quota been enforced, Noel Monkman would have become a significant feature director of adventure movies – he and his wife still had a fine career, but it’s not what it could and should have been."
He and Kitty lived for a time on Green [Island, Papua New Guinea|Green Island], acting as a volunteer air observer during World War II.
Selected filmography
- Secrets of the Sea - director
- The Cliff Dwellers - director
- Coral and its Creatures - director
- Typhoon Treasure – writer, director
- The [Power and the Glory (1941 film)|The Power and the Glory] – writer, director
- Marvels of Miniature - documentary
- King of [the Coral Sea] – underwater photography
- Deep Down Under - director
- Coral Kingdom – director
Writings
- Escape to Adventure
- From Queensland to the Great Barrier Reef : a naturalist's adventures in Australia
- Quest for the Curly-Tailed Horses - autobiography