Lisa Blair.

Premiering today at New Zealand’s highly-regarded DocEdge Film Festival, the thrilling new Australian documentary Ice Maiden will circumnavigate its way through Australian and New Zealand cinemas in August and September.

“It has been exciting seeing our film get out to the world,” says director Nathaniel C.T. Jackson. “It’s really affirming that we have an entertaining and engaging film. When you’re making a film and you’ve watched it a million times in the editing process, it can be hard to know how it will be received by a fresh audience.”

Audiences at large are set to get that opportunity in August when Jackson’s new documentary Ice Maiden will cruise into Australian and New Zealand cinemas. Ice Maiden – co-directed by James Blannin-Ferguson – is the gripping, edge-of-the-seat story of Aussie solo sailor and adventurer 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.

ADVERTISEMENT: Click for details.

“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,” says Lisa Blair.

Ice Maiden will make its way through cinemas in NSW (Hayden Orpheum, August 11, The Ritz Randwick, August 12), Victoria (The Classic Cinema, August 18) and Queensland (New Farm Cinema, August 25), with further screenings announced soon. Audiences in New Zealand will also become part of Lisa’s journey with screenings in Christchurch (Hoyts, June 26, Alice Cinema, June 30), Wellington (The Roxy, July 14) and Auckland (The Capitol, July 14).

Not just a stunning portrait 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.”

You can find out where you can see Ice Maiden here. 

If you enjoyed reading this feature article as much as I loved publishing it, please consider supporting Cinema Australia’s commitment to the Australian screen industry via a donation below.

I strive to shine a light on Australian movies, giving voice to emerging talent and established artists.

This important work is made possible through the support of Cinema Australia readers. Without corporate interests or paywalls, Cinema Australia is committed to remaining free to read, watch and listen to, always.

If you can, please consider making a contribution. It takes less than a minute, and your support will make a significant impact in sustaining Cinema Australia as the much-loved publication that it is.

Thank you.

Matthew Eeles
Founder and Editor.

Make a donation here.