THE LIFE AND DEATH OF
WESTERLY WINDINA
OFFICIAL SELECTION | FEATURE FILM
WORLD PREMIERE
GENRE: SURF DOCUMENTARY | YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 2024 | LENGTH: 90 MINS | COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA/USA
DIRECTOR: ALAN WHITE + JAMIE BRISICK | PRODUCER: BEAU WILLIMON+JORDAN TAPPIS
In 2008, years after nearly drowning in a traumatic and life-changing surfing accident, Drouyn suddenly resurfaced by coming out as a trans woman on national television. Her new name, she said, was Westerly Windina. “It was a supernova,” Westerly said of her gender awakening. “It just kicked in one night, and suddenly Peter went; Westerly was there.”
The surf community, and Australia at large, were astonished. Though she’d once been a top-tier athlete with sponsorships and a burgeoning acting career, Westerly was now living in public housing on Australia’s Gold Coast – alone, poor, and often taunted by her neighbours.
The Life and Death of Westerly Windina explores Westerly’s upbringing, her years as a surfing titan, and follows her into a new chapter as she searches for acceptance from friends, family, a still-hyper masculine sport, and most importantly – from herself.
SESSION TIMES
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PALACE BYRON BAY
World Premiere + Q&A
Saturday 19 October 7:30pm
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BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE
Sunday 27 October