Kirsty McKenzie

A thrilling blend of Scottish, South African, and Australian heritage, I'm an ardent traveler with a flair for dialects and a fervent passion for all things creative.

I'm currently spearheading the production and direction of my debut film, The Trial, an electrifying psychological thriller set in the 1950s. It delves into a clinical drug trial and a woman's relentless quest for closure from past trauma. Featuring a stellar Australian cast and award-winning creatives, I eagerly anticipate unveiling this masterpiece to the world.

 I’ve also recently dived into the world of post-production as a freelance assistant editor, working with the award-winning post house, The Editors

 Embarking on my exhilarating acting journey, I've contributed to numerous award-winning productions such as Show Studio's Three Women Arrive. I've earned the prestigious titles of Best Actress for my captivating performances in A Blaster in the Right Hands and Rearview, as well as Best Supporting Actress for the international short film Brainless Killers. My talents have garnered several other Best Actress nominations, and I've taken on leading roles in three independent feature films: Love and Triangles, Magic, and Saving Grace. I also appeared in a supporting role in the feature film Guilt, which recently secured US distribution and is now streaming on Amazon. In 2021, Film Central Magazine distinguished me as one of the top 12 rising actors of the year. My insatiable appetite for the enchanting realm of acting drives me to constantly seek new challenges.

Although my initial trajectory was aimed at veterinary science and medicine (even completing a Ph.D. in cardiometabolic disease and nutrition), a fateful encounter with Sydney's dazzling entertainment industry ignited an unquenchable passion for acting.

Tackling the lead role in Shakespeare's Richard III was an adrenaline-fueled adventure. The stage is a domain of endless astonishment. My journey continued with Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, where I was honored to join an extraordinary ensemble cast to explore themes of family, perseverance, loss, and survival.

Diving back into the cinematic universe, A Blaster in the Right Hands demanded my utmost dedication. I immersed myself in martial arts training, specifically Muay Thai and fight choreography, for months before filming. This newfound love for martial arts persists, and I continue to train with fervor. The film has been showered with international awards, and my performance has earned multiple Best Actress nominations. Eager for new challenges, I'm also eager to refine my horse-riding skills once more.

My insatiable drive for self-improvement propels me to embrace new challenges and maintain a balanced lifestyle. I am a volunteer for WIRES (Wildlife Information and Rescue Service), I teach reformer pilates, culminating in the perfect blend of relaxation with a fine whisky and cherished friends. My secret talent? An uncanny ability to remember names at parties.

Kirsty Mckenzie Headshot