Celebrating Julia Enter: The Creative Force Behind ‘After Party’
Words by Jes Evans
10 April 2025
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the one and only Julia Enter, an emerging director who just wrapped up her first short film, After Party. If you haven’t met Jules yet, you’re missing out. Trust me—everyone who crosses her path ends up absolutely smitten. Her contagious positive energy lights up any room, and her passion for storytelling is truly inspiring. Here’s what she had to say;
The Scoop on ‘After Party’
So, what’s After Party all about? Picture this: a young couple comes home from a costume party—she’s a bird, he’s Han Solo (classic!). As they settle in, she admits she overheard him chatting with some old high school friends, and things take a serious turn. The film dives deep into a tough conversation about consent and accountability. It’s a poignant exploration of what happens when the past comes knocking at the door, and Jules has crafted it with sensitivity and insight.
A Journey to Filmmaking
Interestingly, Jules didn’t start out with a clear path to film. She studied arts with a major in politics and had her sights set on the non-profit sector (a selfless queen). “It felt like an industry where change didn’t happen quickly enough, however, I realise now that was youthful ignorance to how long meaningful change takes, but ultimately it wasn’t for me”. Their loss is certainly our gain. During the pandemic, she stumbled upon her love for writing screenplays—turns out, crafting stories was a lot more fun than binge-watching Harry Potter (again). She reached out to some contacts after graduation and got her foot in the door—she calls this luck, I call this hard work. Jules’ journey is a testament to how creativity can emerge from unexpected places.
The Challenges of Being a Woman in Film
Let’s get real for a moment, being a woman in a male-dominated industry comes with its own set of challenges. Jules shared some eye-opening experiences, like the time someone made an inappropriate comment instead of recognising her hard work (ugh, the girlies know what this feels like). It’s those frustrating moments that can really make anyone question their place in the industry.
Fortunately, these cringe-worthy comments are becoming rarer, but when they do pop up, it’s like finding a fly in your birthday cake—unexpected and definitely not the vibe you were going for. They remind us that there are still hurdles women have to jump over. It’s a total buzzkill.
Thankfully, she’s not alone; many women in film find strength in each other. “Every time I face a challenge, I’m reminded of how great it is to be part of such a supportive crowd. I just love women!” Honestly, it feels like being part of an exclusive club where the snacks are top-notch.
And here’s the good news: the industry is evolving! “The conversations we’re having about gender are so much more progressive now. It feels like we’re breaking generational barriers,”. With more women stepping into leadership roles, the atmosphere is shifting, paving the way for a future where everyone can thrive—and let’s be real, that’s the kind of plot twist we’re all here for!
The Power of Mentorship
Everyone needs a mentor, and for Jules, that inspiration comes from the one and only Annelise Hickey. “I’m such an Anno fan girl!” (Girl, same) “I just think the way that she directs and runs a set is just so calm, it’s so admirable. And actually this is kind of embarrassing, but I think it took me a really long time to decide I could direct. And it wasn’t until I was on set with Anno that I was like, oh, maybe I can do that!”
Of course, we’re totally on board with her admiration for Anno—after all, she’s one of our very own! Having her on the team is like having a secret weapon; her talent and calm presence inspires all of us. The world needs more Annos and Juleses.
Looking Ahead
When it comes to her vision for the future, Jules dreams of an industry where gender doesn’t play a role in defining talent or opening doors. “I want to see a world where everyone is just a person,” she emphasised, capturing her hope for a more equitable landscape. In Jules’s ideal film world, creativity knows no gender, and every individual’s contributions are valued equally. She’s passionate about fostering a collaborative environment on her sets, where every voice matters and ideas can flow freely, regardless of who they come from. By cultivating this kind of atmosphere, she believes that we can create richer stories and more dynamic projects that reflect the diversity of human experience.
The Heart Behind ‘After Party’
Reflecting on the experience of making After Party, Jules was blown away by how supportive her crew was. “I was so lucky to have people respect my vision and collaborate beautifully” It’s this kind of warmth and positivity that makes working with Julia such a joy.
That’s a Wrap!
In a world that sometimes feels heavy, Julia Enter is a refreshing energy. Her dedication to storytelling, her vibrant spirit, and her commitment to inclusivity are just a few reasons to keep an eye on her. We can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.
