James Hunter is an award-winning Australian director crafting bold, emotionally resonant, and visually striking stories. Following a background in short films, music videos, and commercial work, Hunter made his long-form debut with the acclaimed psychological horror feature THE LATCHER (2026), set for a cinema release in April 2027 (as reported by Variety).

THE LATCHER premiered to sold-out audiences on opening weekend of the Melbourne International Film Festival and made its international debut at London’s FrightFest before securing an Australian theatrical release via independent distributor Bonsai Films. Critical response was immediate and strong, with Anton Bitel placing THE LATCHER alongside Australian horror films THE BABADOOK and RELIC while declaring it “the birth of a new talent in horror”, FilmInk awarding it 4/5 stars as a “promising debut”, and The Hollywood News noting Hunter “comes out of the blocks strong” with a film “packed full of atmosphere.”

Previously, Hunter directed the award-winning gothic 16mm short NEST. Described by MIFF as a “masterfully executed, mystifying gothic psychodrama” and by the Vancouver International Film Festival as “a masterclass in pace and tone,” NEST screened at six Academy®-qualifying festivals, including Sitges, HollyShorts, Atlanta, and Flickerfest.

Hunter is an alumnus of the prestigious MIFF Accelerator Lab for outstanding emerging directors.