a film by
CHRISTOPHER IRELAND
ART. CONTROL. A FIGHT AGAINST TIME.
UNFADED is a portrait of legendary photographer Gary Heery: an artist obsessed with control, now grappling with the one thing he can’t master: time.
As his legacy hangs in the balance, the fight to stay relevant becomes as compelling as the images he creates.
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Christopher’s gift is to bring out depth and insight from people in front of his lens, resulting in work that is without fail culturally relevant and will also stand the test of time
Kate Guaran, Former Senior Marketing Lead | Canon
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Christopher Ireland is an internationally awarded filmmaker and photographer known for his philosophical, deeply human storytelling. His work spans commercial campaigns, fine art, and documentary films, exploring the raw complexities beneath the surface.
His second documentary, Unfaded, follows Salt In The Blood, which featured two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll and aired on National Geographic. As a commercial director, he has led campaigns for Uber, Canon, Samsung, NRMA, Telstra, and the Australian Defence Force, merging artistry with high-impact visual storytelling.
Ireland’s work has earned recognition from D&AD, Cannes, and One Show, and his documentary photography has been collected by the State Library of NSW. Unfaded continues his exploration of identity, control, and legacy, revealing an artist confronting time.
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Gary Heery is a renowned portrait photographer whose career spans five decades across music, fashion, advertising, and fine art. From shooting Madonna’s debut album cover to capturing icons like Paul Simon, Ray Charles, and Frank Zappa, his images have shaped pop culture and adorned the pages of Rolling Stone, Life, and Esquire. His commercial work has been equally influential, shaping campaigns for global brands.
After years in New York and Los Angeles, Heery returned to Sydney, where he remains a prolific force in the art scene, regularly exhibiting and publishing work. With over a dozen photography books, including Grandiflora, Twins, and Birdscape, his practice continues to evolve, balancing precision with raw spontaneity while exploring new creative directions.
Unfaded explores the tension between control and time, revealing an artist determined to leave his mark. His work continues to resonate across generations, cementing his legacy as one of Australia’s most significant photographers.
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I'm not a clairvoyant or a prophet, but I think certainly Gary's work will be looked at in the same way that we look at great portraiture of the past, reaching back hundreds of years.
-Tim Olson, Gallerist | Olsen Gallery
Express Interest
The film is a work in progress, and we’re open to conversations with sponsors, networks, and collaborators interested in bringing this story to a wider audience. Get in touch to explore opportunities.
