GREAT OCEAN LOVE, 30min., Australia
Directed by Ella Bourne
Great Ocean Love is part documentary, part road-trippin’ surf flick that follows Belinda Baggs, Linley Hurrell, and Lilly Pollard on a journey of discovery along the Great Ocean Road. Centred around the teachings of Gunditjmara whale dreamer Yaraan Bundle. Along the way, they meet saltwater women who share their love for the rugged coastline they call home.

https://www.instagram.com/greatoceanlovefilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Belinda & Linley (producers and stars of Great Ocean Love) came to me with the concept and asked me to direct, it's close to my heart as it's the community and coastline I grew up on and a place I feel a strong urge to protect and share its immense beauty.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

From the time I came on board to its first screening was about 2 and half months, the girls came to me with a pretty baked concept then it was an intense couple of months of pre-prod/shooting and post-production.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Heartfelt discovery.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Time - we were on a tight deadline for a community screening so this meant our post production process was intense but I think pressure can make diamonds and we were very lucky to have such an amazing creative team!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was extremely heart warming to hear everyone's visceral reactions to the film and how they felt they really knew the area even though it's the other side of the world. Also that our love for our home really resonated with everyone, that was really special!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I was a kid I really wanted to but I had no idea how to go about it - then pursuing a career in the performing arts exposed me to filmmakers and helped push me to start making my own films. After working on others indie films I realized I could ask my community to help me get my own ideas to the screen.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Strictly Ballroom - Baz Lurhmans first film. It was the first feature film I ever saw, it was on VHS and it's stayed a favorite that I always go back to.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Live events are always helpful, with international festivals where it can be hard for filmmakers to attend, interviews, online events/conversations are always helpful! Interviews like this and the audience feedback videos are great too. I love the idea of the podcast too, its great way to connect with others in the film industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Super easy - Film Freeway makes it so easy to set up a profile for your project and submit to festivals!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Hmmm, salmon with chickpea & goats cheese salad!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Currently in development for a children's TV series centered around a child befriending a mermaid and the two defending a small coastal town from oil corporations.