Following its world premiere sold-out screening at New Zealand’s highly regarded DocEdge Film Festival, and last night’s packed Sydney premiere at the Cremorne Orpheum, the thrilling new Australian documentary Ice Maiden has commenced its circumnavigation through Australian and New Zealand cinemas in August and September. Lisa Blair to travel with the film to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Ice Maiden is the gripping, edge-of-the-seat story of inspirational Aussie solo sailor, adventurer and environmentalist Lisa Blair, who daringly circumnavigated Antarctica on her own, non-stop, and with no physical assistance. From terrifying storms and near fatal collisions with looming ships to personal anguish and constant danger, it’s a story steeped in anxiety, but also in hope and inspiration, as the brave and uncompromising sailor hurls herself at every obstacle with positive energy and a relentless will to win.
“As a solo sailor, it’s really hard to describe the challenges and obstacles I face out there, so I’m so excited for Ice Maiden to be seen. The film really captures the essence of life at sea where every day was a new game of survival for me,” Lisa Blair commented. “Last night’s screening of Ice Maiden was a real eye-opener for us. Not only did we have 500 people jam-packed into the glorious Cremorne Orpheum cinema, with virtually everyone sticking around for the post-screening Q&A, the biggest revelation was the people who were asking questions – the majority were kids!” commented Dov Kornits, of film distributor Screen Inc.
Ice Maiden will next play The Ritz Randwick, August 12 in Sydney, Classic Cinemas in Melbourne, August 18 and New Farm Cinema in Brisbane, August 25, Avoca Beach Theatre in NSW, September 1, and Orana Cinemas in Albany, Geraldton and Busselton on September 4 and 8, with further screenings in Australia and New Zealand announced soon. Lisa Blair will also be attending most of the screenings, including Melbourne and Brisbane. Not just a document of an incredible woman, Ice Maiden is also an inspiring call to arms for climate and societal change. “After seeing the film, I would like audiences to feel that anything is possible if you set your sights on it,” says director Nathaniel C.T Jackson. “If you work towards your goal, you can achieve amazing things. You have to believe in yourself. Lisa is a small woman, and she had many naysayers telling her she couldn’t do it. Her story and her commitment to climate change communication show us that we can change things.”