John Balazs
- Director
- Producer
- Writer
![Freelance [2025] trailer](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzNiNTEzZmEtMTk4Yi00YjU2LTgxMmEtNDVhODViNzhmZmUzXkEyXkFqcGdeQXRyYW5zY29kZS13b3JrZmxvdw@@._V1_QL75_UX1000_CR0,0,1000,563_.jpg)
John Balazs is an Australian filmmaker renowned for his dynamic storytelling and compelling character-driven narratives. A graduate of JMC Academy in 2004, his debut short film, Fallen, earned the Best Short Film award, marking the beginning of a prolific and impactful career.
In 2016, Balazs wrote, produced, and directed Dancer, his first project with complete creative and financial control. The film garnered 24 awards and 11 nominations at international film festivals in 2017, solidifying his reputation as a visionary director.
His 2018 short film, Night Shift, tells the story of a guilt-ridden police officer confronting her inner demons while battling through a drug lab. The film received critical acclaim, winning 13 awards and earning one nomination. Lead actress Adele Elasmar won the Best Breakout Action Performer of the Year at the 2019 Action on Film International Festival in Las Vegas for her role as Bianca Fury.
Balazs' feature film Rage is a gripping crime thriller exploring themes of vengeance and justice. Praised as a "slow-burning noir," the film was lauded for its intense narrative and character depth. Critics noted its deliberate pacing, with one reviewer stating, "I never really felt it drag or the tension become weak." While Reel Good observed that it defied the typical rhythms of a thriller, the film's unique approach earned it a devoted following.
His latest feature, Freelance, is a psychological thriller delving into the gig economy. The story follows a video editor haunted by her work and her precarious livelihood. Critics have praised the film for its rich visual style and strong performances. Gnof Horror described it as "gorgeous, with rich color grading and thoughtful shot choices," while Flickering Myth noted its bold pacing, stating that "Balazs takes a calculated gamble to pace the film on his terms." Lead actress Nicole Pastor's performance has been widely acclaimed, with a Letterboxd review declaring, "Gritty, creepy, and intense - the film delivers on all fronts."
In 2024, Freelance was selected as an official entry at Monster Fest, one of Australia's premier genre film festivals. This milestone further cemented Balazs' status as a filmmaker to watch in the international arena.
Throughout his career, Balazs has demonstrated a commitment to crafting films that resonate with audiences. By blending elements of action, thriller, and psychological drama, he creates cinematic experiences that are visually striking and emotionally impactful.
Balazs's work continues to receive recognition across the globe, earning numerous awards and nominations, including accolades from the Action on Film International Festival in Las Vegas. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to capture raw human emotion make him one of Australia's most promising filmmakers.
In 2016, Balazs wrote, produced, and directed Dancer, his first project with complete creative and financial control. The film garnered 24 awards and 11 nominations at international film festivals in 2017, solidifying his reputation as a visionary director.
His 2018 short film, Night Shift, tells the story of a guilt-ridden police officer confronting her inner demons while battling through a drug lab. The film received critical acclaim, winning 13 awards and earning one nomination. Lead actress Adele Elasmar won the Best Breakout Action Performer of the Year at the 2019 Action on Film International Festival in Las Vegas for her role as Bianca Fury.
Balazs' feature film Rage is a gripping crime thriller exploring themes of vengeance and justice. Praised as a "slow-burning noir," the film was lauded for its intense narrative and character depth. Critics noted its deliberate pacing, with one reviewer stating, "I never really felt it drag or the tension become weak." While Reel Good observed that it defied the typical rhythms of a thriller, the film's unique approach earned it a devoted following.
His latest feature, Freelance, is a psychological thriller delving into the gig economy. The story follows a video editor haunted by her work and her precarious livelihood. Critics have praised the film for its rich visual style and strong performances. Gnof Horror described it as "gorgeous, with rich color grading and thoughtful shot choices," while Flickering Myth noted its bold pacing, stating that "Balazs takes a calculated gamble to pace the film on his terms." Lead actress Nicole Pastor's performance has been widely acclaimed, with a Letterboxd review declaring, "Gritty, creepy, and intense - the film delivers on all fronts."
In 2024, Freelance was selected as an official entry at Monster Fest, one of Australia's premier genre film festivals. This milestone further cemented Balazs' status as a filmmaker to watch in the international arena.
Throughout his career, Balazs has demonstrated a commitment to crafting films that resonate with audiences. By blending elements of action, thriller, and psychological drama, he creates cinematic experiences that are visually striking and emotionally impactful.
Balazs's work continues to receive recognition across the globe, earning numerous awards and nominations, including accolades from the Action on Film International Festival in Las Vegas. His dedication to storytelling and his ability to capture raw human emotion make him one of Australia's most promising filmmakers.
