A bold proposal helped Jamali van Heerden recruit Aussie actor Lincoln Lewis for his latest film ‘Til Death Do Us Part.
When Jamali van Heerden walked onto Bond University’s campus as a first-year film and television student, he was already an accomplished filmmaker. After all, he’d been making movies since he was 13 – long before he stepped foot in a lecture theatre.
“I took it so seriously,” he says. “I made myself websites. I told everyone I was a videographer. I made videography my entire personality.”
Armed with drones, remote-controlled aircraft and an oversized dose of teenage self-belief, he built his own website and even produced an advertisement for his school.
Years later, that early obsession has evolved into something far bigger – a Bond University Film and Television Academy (BUFTA) scholarship, graduation with a Bond University Bachelor of Film and Television, a short film premiere, and a soon-to-begin festival circuit with his latest project ‘Til Death Do Us Part, starring well-known Australian actor Lincoln Lewis.
Jamali piloting a model aircraft.
Jamali piloting a model aircraft.
Teenage passion
Jamali’s creative journey began outdoors. As a teenager, he spent weekends at a remote-controlled aircraft club with his dad. What began as a fascination with flight turned into an obsession with capturing images.
Jamali threw himself into film projects, first at Silkwood School, and later at Emmanuel College on the Gold Coast.
His documentary A Swell State of Mind about the surfing community at his local break was more than a school assessment – it was a gift to the man who taught him to surf, Mike Latsky.
“It was absolutely a thank you,” Jamali says. “I wanted to tell his story so that he and his family could look back on it – something he’d have for a long time.”
That short documentary earned Jamali his second nomination at the BUFTA Awards in 2022. In a case of second time lucky, he won. With that recognition came a coveted scholarship and a place in Bond’s renowned film program.
The BUFTA scholarship
Jamali admits he may have been a little too sure of himself when he first arrived at Bond.
“I was like, wow. I’m coming in on a scholarship, the university obviously wants me here. I was fairly sure of myself.”
Professor Michael Sergi, Bond’s Head of Film at the time, didn’t let that mindset linger.
“He (Professor Sergi) said to me, ‘You don’t know what you don’t know. We’re going to break you down and build you back up again’. And that is exactly what happened.”
It was a humbling experience but one that taught Jamali one of filmmaking’s most precious skills – collaboration.
“When I began my course at Bond, my interest in videography evolved into a passion for filmmaking,” he says. “I realised I was surrounded by lots of people who had something to teach me. “In the end, you do a lot of learning from your peers.”
If you don’t ask, you’ll never know
Six months into Jamali’s degree, Bond partnered with the Gold Coast Film Festival for a school outreach event. Actor Lincoln Lewis was a festival ambassador. Jamali was there too, speaking to high school students about his BUFTA experience and showcasing his winning entry. After the screening, Lewis turned to him.
“Mate, that film was so impressive for something you did in high school,” Lewis said. “Wouldn’t it be crazy if we got to work together one day?”
Fast forward two years and Jamali was only weeks away from shooting ‘Til Death Do Us Part. Cyclone Alfred had made a mess of the shooting schedule and his lead actor was no longer available. Then Jamali spotted Lewis at another Gold Coast Film Festival event.
“I told Lincoln the story, then said, ‘I’m actually down an actor right now, and I think you’d be perfect for the role.’”
A week later, Lewis called to say he was in.
“Sometimes if you just ask the question, people say yes,” Jamali says.
A film about grief, love and letting go
‘Til Death Do Us Part follows Daniel, a young widower (played by Lewis) who is visited by the spirit of his deceased wife. Through grief, memory and emotional discovery, Daniel learns whether her presence is meant to torment him or free him.
“It’s a psychological story about loss. You piece together what happened as the film unfolds.”
The short film premieres at Bond University on November 27 and will then begin a festival run, including a bid for the Gold Coast Film Festival.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if, exactly a year later, we were back at the Gold Coast Film Festival with a completed film instead of just an elevator pitch?” Jamali says.
Red Bull dreams
Beyond directing narrative films, Jamali is keen to carve out a niche borne of passion: adrenaline and adventure cinematography. His production company Dawn Mediareflects that ambition.
“The logo is a skydiver with a GoPro on his head. It reminds me why I’m doing this. I want to make adrenaline sport documentary films for companies like Red Bull. That’s the dream.”
He believes his blend of filmmaking experience and technical knowledge gives him an edge.
“I already understand cinema cameras and narrative filmmaking, now I’m building the adrenaline side. If I could travel the world doing that, I’d feel like I’d made it.”
Jamali doesn’t hesitate when asked what about his education he’s most grateful for.
“You go to Bond because of the connections and that has been so true for me.”
He has worked with industry professionals, collaborated with ambitious peers and, of course, convinced a major Australian actor to star in his student film.
“Bond got me into the right rooms. That’s what changed everything.”
Published Wednesday, 3 December, 2025.
Original thinking direct to your inbox
Stories from Bond