“The Beach is one of the most important projects of my life. It’s about my life. It is my life”, creator and director Warwick Thornton.
One of Australia's most celebrated filmmakers, Kaytetye man Warwick Thornton has generated poignant discussion and created striking imagery with important films such as, Samson & Delilah and Sweet Country.
Now, the award-winning filmmaker’s international success has come at a personal cost. He has chosen to try giving up life in the fast lane, on an isolated beach in one of the most beautiful yet brutal environments in the world, to see if he can transform and heal his life.
His new documentary, The Beach, is an immersive experience that takes isolation to new heights.
Created and directed by Thornton and filmed by his son Dylan River, The Beach is observational and unobtrusive, yet visually stunning and cinematic.
Once living in isolation, he explores the fragility of the human mind, body and spirit in modern times, and how a life of excess, neglect and self-abuse can be transformed through the ancient healing power of nature and connection to Country.
Filmed in Jilirr, Dampier Peninsula, on the north-west coast of Western Australia, this piece of paradise remains largely undiscovered by most Australians and is known by locals for its beauty and harsh remoteness.
Like his ancestors, the Kaytetye people, Thornton relies on the land throughout the experience. Audiences are invited to watch as he develops his instincts and skills to hunt and gather food in order to survive and thrive in this isolated stretch of paradise. Throughout The Beach, Thornton discovers how much he relies on these meals not only for his body, but also for his spirit. Exquisite dishes are prepared silently and without instruction.
Warwick Thornton The Beach Source: NITV
Source: NITV
Created and directed by Thornton and filmed by his son Dylan River, The Beach is observational and unobtrusive, yet visually stunning and cinematic.
Audiences are invited to watch as he develops his instincts and skills to hunt and gather food in order to survive and thrive in this isolated stretch of paradise.
NITV Channel Manager Tanya Orman says that NITV is honoured that Warwick has chosen to share such a personal and stunning masterpiece with us.
"At a time when many Australians feel a longing to escape or to reconnect to Country, I can’t think of a better way to experience an incredible corner of Australia than to join us for this special three-hour journey,” she said.
The six-part documentary series will air back-to-back as one piece of cinema. In a special three-hour TV event, NITV is proud to announce the world premiere of The Beach exclusively across NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand on Friday, May 29 at 7.30pm.
Source: NITV
Source: NITV
Warwick Thornton's The Beach, an exclusive three-hour network event premieres on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand on Friday 29 May at 7.30pm.
It will be reaired on NITV from 1 June, with episodes airing at 7.30pm each night, as well as on SBS On Demand.
