Pioneering Cinema Beyond Borders:Joy K.Mathew – A Global Trailblazer
Actor, writer, producer, cinematographer, director and world record holder Joy K. Mathew stands as a remarkable symbol of human compassion and artistic dedication on the global stage. His life and work embody a rare fusion of creativity, social consciousness, and deep human values, expressed powerfully through the medium of cinema.
Guided by an unwavering commitment to meaningful storytelling, Joy K. Mathew explores how art can serve humanity — whether through film, documentary, music, or education. More than a visionary thinker, he is a man of action who transforms ideas into initiatives that truly uplift society.
A filmmaker devoted to social betterment, he has dedicated his life to creating cinema that enlightens and inspires. His distinguished body of work includes 19 films, ranging from three-minute shorts to two-and-a-half-hour features. In each, he has worn multiple hats — writer, director, producer, and actor — crafting stories that resonate deeply with audiences and champion empathy, justice, and human dignity.
Joy K. Mathew’s journey is not merely that of an artist, but of a humanitarian who uses art as a force for positive change.
Father‟s Mentorship behind Daughters‟ World-Record Feat
A passionate trainer and motivator, Joy guided his daughters — Augnes Joy and Teresa Joy — on an extraordinary learning journey to study and memorise the national anthem of every country in the world. They became the first siblings ever to perform all national anthems from memory — a historic world record that earned global admiration.
Their achievement echoed across nations as a song of pride beyond the walls of their home. It is not merely a family triumph — it is the voice that resonates with the soul of a people, a flag of love fluttering in the sky of world peace.
World‟s Youngest Director — Another Record
Under Joy’s guidance, nine-year-old Arshaan Ameer set a new world record as the youngest documentary filmmaker in the world. Joy K. Mathew also handled the cinematography for the documentary Generation Green.
“The Cinematic Journey Continues”
There were purposeful pauses between his films. During these intervals, he dedicated his time to understanding and supporting the needs of the less-privileged. Each film that followed carried thoughtful messages reflecting this social insight.
His films include Nombaraveena, Abhayam, Sahanam, Daanam, Maranahantharam, Kaanakkazhchakal, Aathmakalude Nombaram, Vishwasam, Varuthikalathinte Vasantham, Jalaspasham Kothikkunna Verukal, The Dependence, Attention, Tomorrow, Vattippalisha, Unbreakable, Ghost Paradise, Pouch of Life, and many more.
He also wrote, produced, and directed impactful documentaries including Saviour of Trees, Parvathi Puthanar Seeking Rebirth, The Angel of Tenderness — capturing moments with Mother Teresa and Salute the Nations.
Every project reinforces moral values, family bonds, and the social responsibility of every citizen.
Mother Teresa — A Source of Strength
Joy K. Mathew’s social vision is profoundly inspired by Mother Teresa, the mother of the poor. A cherished moment of his life was meeting her in her final days, after overcoming many challenges to reach her. He recalls the moment she embraced him as a divine blessing, and believes her presence and blessings have stayed with him ever since, guiding his journey of service and compassion.
Awards & World Records
He has received numerous national and international recognitions for his socially driven films and documentaries. His English film The Dependence earned a special honour from the Queensland Government in Australia.
Documentary Featuring Talent From 75 Countrie
Pursuing his belief in creativity with conscience, he conceptualised and directed a landmark documentary Salute the Nations featuring talents from 75 countries, centred on world peace and national anthems. The project earned international acclaim and a world record — celebrating his global vision. The cinematography for this documentary was also done by Joy K. Mathew.
His art rises above boundaries of language, religion, and culture, carrying a message of peace and shared humanity.
Presence in Australian Cinema
Although thousands of talented Malayalis live in Australia, opportunities for them have traditionally been limited to festive or community events. Recognising this gap, Joy K. Mathew envisioned new avenues to showcase talent and create meaningful opportunities in cinema and the arts.
For the past three years, he has been conducting film training programs in Queensland, introducing many to the world of cinema. By nurturing a Malayalam film culture in Australia — similar to that of Kerala — he is opening doors for artists in both regions and setting an inspiring model for others around the world.
He also screened Malayalam films with English subtitles across multiple theatres, bringing international visibility to Malayalam art in Australia — the first such cultural initiative with clear vision and purpose. „Ghost Paradise‟ — First Malayalam Film Produced in Queensland
Following years of training programs for Australian Malayalis, Joy produced Ghost Paradise, featuring trained participants, artists from Kerala, and Australian industry professionals.
The film has completed censorship formalities and will release in November 2025. Joy served as writer, director, producer, and lead actor. It marks the first Malayalam film ever produced in Queensland — a milestone in Australian Malayalam cinema.
AMLA — First Malayalam Film Organisation in Australia
Under his leadership, the Association of Movie Lovers Australia (AMLA) became the first Malayalam film organisation outside Kerala. AMLA supports aspiring filmmakers; produces films, documentaries, and music albums; organises theatre festivals and reality shows; and provides support to filmmakers from Kerala and other countries.
AMLA will soon host the first international Malayalam film festival in Australia. Joy K. Mathew is its founder and current President
Film Training in Queensland Schools & Colleges
He led film workshops organised by the United Nations Association of Australia, Queensland Division, as part of their climate-change initiatives for students.
Guiding Philosophy
When asked how he accomplishes so much, he responds:
“You do not need anyone’s permission to turn dreams into reality — only courage.” I am an ordinary person doing what I believe is right, in the way I know best.”
His motto reflects his life’s purpose: Art for Humanity, Cinema for Change.
Family
Joy is the eldest child of former Indian Army veteran K. J. Mathew and the late Mary Mathew. His siblings are Jessie, Jolly, and Jiji. His wife Jacqueline is a registered nurse in Australia. His daughters Augnes and Teresa are university students and support him in filmmaking. Their love and support remain his greatest strength.
A Life Dedicated to World Peace & Human Progress
Residing in Australia, Joy fully respects the laws and values of his adopted country, while dedicating his life selflessly to world peace and human progress. His journey is guided by a purpose far greater than recognition or fame. Through his films and humanitarian initiatives, he continues to carry forward a universal message — the unity of humankind, the true spirit behind his world records.
Having made history with many firsts, Joy is now preparing to unveil another groundbreaking project connecting India and Australia after Ghost Paradise.
Let us eagerly await this inspiring creation — and together strive to make Ghost Paradise a shining success.
It is the responsibility of every citizen to honour and support individuals like Joy K. Mathew, who dedicate their lives to humanity. Only by nurturing such visionaries can society truly progress.
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