Bringing an Authentic, powerful, and dramatic story to life on the big screen
Matt Norman is bringing the incredible life of Jeff Fenech to the big screen with his upcoming film FENECH. As a multi-award-winning filmmaker with a passion for telling powerful, human stories, Norman is dedicated to capturing not just the grit of the ring but the heart of the man behind the gloves. Known for his ability to blend authenticity with cinematic flair, he is crafting FENECH as more than a boxing film—it’s a story of resilience, loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption. With Norman at the helm, the project promises to deliver an unflinching, emotional, and deeply inspiring portrait of one of Australia’s most iconic sporting legends.
Matt Norman is an internationally award-winning filmmaker whose work has been recognised on the world stage for its emotional depth and authenticity. His acclaimed documentary Salute—which told the story of his uncle Peter Norman and the Black Power salute at the 1968 Olympics—was celebrated globally and was recently rated by Red Bull as one of the top five sports documentaries of all time. With Fenech, Norman is set to follow that same trajectory, bringing the same level of cinematic power, truth, and passion to the screen. Just as Salute resonated far beyond sport, Fenech will do the same, telling a story that is raw, inspiring, and destined to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
previous films by International award winning filmmaker
Matt Norman
Since 2004, Matt Norman has written, directed, and produced a slate of powerful films that have each gone on to win multiple international awards, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker of global impact. His body of work has been celebrated at festivals and industry events around the world, with every project showcasing his ability to tell deeply human stories that resonate far beyond their subject matter. From intimate dramas to acclaimed documentaries, Norman’s films have consistently achieved critical success and recognition, underscoring his standing as one of Australia’s most accomplished and awarded filmmakers.
Biography of
writer, DIRECTOR MATT NORMAN
Matt Norman is an internationally award-winning writer, director, and producer whose career has spanned over two decades in the film and television industry. Since 2004, every film he has created has gone on to receive international acclaim, collecting numerous awards at prestigious festivals around the world. His reputation for telling deeply human stories with authenticity and cinematic power has made him one of Australia’s most respected independent filmmakers.
Norman’s breakthrough came with his feature documentary Salute (2008), which told the extraordinary story of his uncle, Olympian Peter Norman, and his role in the iconic Black Power salute at the 1968 Mexico City Games. The film was met with critical and international acclaim, winning multiple awards and earning distribution all over the World. In 2022, Salute was named by Red Bull as one of the top five sports documentaries of all time, cementing Norman’s place as a filmmaker whose work transcends sport and speaks to universal human struggles and triumphs.
Beyond Salute, Norman has developed a slate of powerful and diverse projects, including award-winning short films, feature films, and documentaries. His filmmaking is characterized by a commitment to authenticity, emotional truth, and technical excellence, often weaving together themes of resilience, injustice, and redemption. His projects consistently attract high-level talent and industry recognition, reflecting his skill both as a storyteller and as a leader who inspires teams to deliver their best work.
Currently, Norman is preparing to bring one of Australia’s most powerful sporting stories to the screen with Fenech – The Jeff Fenech Story. Like his previous work, Fenech goes beyond sport, delving into the triumphs and hardships of a man who became a national hero. Norman’s vision is to deliver a film that is both cinematic and deeply moving, appealing not only to boxing fans but to audiences everywhere who value stories of courage, loyalty, and redemption.
In addition to his filmmaking achievements, Norman is a passionate advocate for using film as a tool for change, inspiring audiences to reflect on history, society, and the power of the human spirit. His work continues to build bridges between sport, culture, and storytelling, and his films remain timeless testaments to the enduring impact of cinema.