Dean, People and Resources
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Julia Erhart is an internationally recognised feminist film scholar and expert in the fields of feminist and LGBTQ-themed media. She is author of three books, Gendering History on Screen: Women Filmmakers and Historical Films (IB Tauris/Bloomsbury 2018), Gillian Armstrong: popular, sensual & ethical cinema (Edinburgh UP 2020), and The Children’s Hour (McGill-Queens UP 2024).
Julia has a track record of data-driven research examining gender equity and the Australian screen industry. With collaborators she has produced a suite of articles on subjects including women and virtual production and women, ageing and the screen industries.
Julia has produced substantial research on LGBTQ-themed media. Her newest book on The Children’s Hour (1961) explores the production, exhibition, and reception of the first commercial American film to feature a lesbian character in a mainstream role.
Julia is the recipient of a grant from the Australian Academy of the Humanities (2016), a Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning from the Australian Office for Learning and Teaching (2014), and a Fulbright fellowship (2000).
Julia is a nationally recognised teacher. In addition the OLT Citation, she received the Vice-Chancellor's award and the Faculty award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012 and, as a co-recipient, in 2023. Institutions Julia has taught at include the University of California (Santa Cruz), San Francisco State University, New York University, and Technische Universität Chemnitz. Born and raised in New York City, Julia worked for New Line Cinema, Paperjacks , and as a freelance film editor before becoming an academic. She lives in the Adelaide Hills.
PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz
MA, New York University
BA, Brown University
Non-fiction media (documentary, biographical film, historical film); women's media practice; gender and LGBTQ studies in film and television; cultural studies of media; contemporary pedagogies
Pinnacle Foundation supporting LGBTIQ youth, Mentor, 2014 -
Let's Get Equal, Law Reform Lobby Group for Same-Sex Couples in SA, 2006 -
Pink Parents, SA Lesbian, Gay and Queer Parents Lobby/Community Group, 2001 -
Society for Cinema Studies, 1992 -
WIFT (Women in Film and Television)Australia, 1997 -
Opening Address, Cups and Coupling, Premiere Art Gallery, Adelaide, October 2005
Opening Address, MEG Wilderness School Video Launch, Adelaide, 2004
State Selector, Women on Women International Film Festival, Sydney, 2001
Address to Senior Scholars, Fulbright Orientation, Berlin, Sept 2000