NO-ONE could accuse Ana Kokkinos of greed.

The 52-year-old was earning a six-figure salary as a high-flying lawyer, but gave it all up to pursue her dream.

Originally from St Albans, Ms Kokkinos spent her teenage years daydreaming about life in the director’s seat but dismissed it a pipe dream.

But after a stint as an industrial lawyer, Ms Kokkinos decided to rethink her career.

“I was practising law but it was always in the back of my mind, so I abandoned law and went to film school instead.”

Twenty years later, she is reaping the benefits of that life-changing decision.

Now an acclaimed director, Ms Kokkinos has been the driving force behind several successful Australian films, including Only The Brave, Head On and The Book of Revelation.

Much of her work was inspired by her own experiences growing up in the western suburbs of St Albans and Yarraville.

“I still have a very strong connection to the western suburbs and the films I’ve made have tended to be stories about growing up in the West,” Ms Kokkinos said.

The director will be returning to her roots next month to take part in the Brimbank Literary Festival.

The Brimbank Literary Festival will be launched on Monday 13 September and will run until Friday 24. For information visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/arts