E1. Best Documentary (Nominee)
Between The Flags
From Sophie Guthrie
Anne Marie Westby along with other members of Point Lookout Surf Club on North Stradbroke Island share their experiences and recount stories of their time volunteering as surf life savers. North Stradbroke Island is a vacation destination for many, however there are many dangers. This documentary highlights the realities of the incidents that happen along with the family culture the lifesavers have created together.
My name is Sophie Guthrie, I am currently in grade 12 at Brisbane State High School. I only started studying film television and new media in grade 10 and it has since become my favourite subject and has given me so many new experiences and opportunities. I wish to continue on my film journey and one day create a career out of it.
What inspired you and your work?
It was 2016 and I was in grade 2 at St Ita’s Primary School when I was introduced to ‘Miss Westby’. She was such an inspiration to everyone and an amazing teacher. The year I had her as a teacher was the same year she was selected as Summer Surf Girl- a representative for women in life saving. She had been in the newspaper and drove her newly won car (from the program), humbly, to the little staff carpark which everyone adored.
Then years later in my year 12 film class, my assignment was to create a documentary. There was no second guessing when the thought of creating a documentary on ‘Miss Westby’ popped into my head. The experience of having a behind the scenes look into lifesavers at point lookout surf life saving club was an experience I felt I had to give to everyone when I cremated my documentary. It was an experience I will never forget.