Andrew Cordon

Andrew Cordon (he/him) is a writer based in Naarm (Melbourne) who has recently completed his undergraduate degree in Screen & Cultural Studies at the University of Melbourne. He is interested in exploring the intersection between queerness and the horror genre and its fostering of community through reclamation. His goal is to cultivate ways to bridge film, art and culture in a way that is accessible and inclusive.

Instagram: @andrew.cordon

Letterboxd: @andrewcordon

Location: Naarm (Melbourne)

Movie location I call home: Seb’s jazz bar from La La Land.

What was the film or experience that made you want to write about the screen? Seeing Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow at MIFF 2024 made me conscious about the kind of stories that we can get when we allow different perspectives to hold the reins. Not only does it have a killer soundtrack and beautiful cinematography, but it allows us to witness the sheer creativity that emerges from marginalised communities. It made me ask the question: how many original ideas can materialise with proper funding, access and support?

Why do you think film criticism matters in 2026? We have more access than ever to a wide array of films that span decades, countries and cultures, combined with more platforms to share ideas and discuss opinions. Uplifting emerging critics with diverse perspectives gives audiences someone who they can trust and find community in, someone to point you in a direction that encourages nuanced interpretation in a world where everything is vying for your attention.

Who is a critic that inspires you? Jason Tan Liwag, Justin Chang and Keva York to name a few, but also shout-out to online personalities such as Dead Meat, PossessedbyHorror and BlueGhosts for being an important bridge between film and the online generation.

In five words (or less), the future of cinema is: Independent. Accessible to everyone.

What’s the best thing you’ve seen this year so far? Annapurna Sriram’s Fucktoys is a trashy, dreamy masterpiece.

What’s your MIFF 2026 theme music? ‘Mariners Apartment Complex’ by Lana Del Rey.