FEATURE DOCUMENTARY, 2016
Filmed over four seasons, Winter at Westbeth follows the young-at-heart residents of New York City’s Westbeth Artists Housing as they produce new creative works. Edith Stephen completes an experimental documentary ahead of her 95th birthday, revered dancer Dudley Williams (75) rehearses for an electrifying return to the stage, and writer Ilsa Gilbert (82) confronts her mortality with candid poetry. An inspirational story about community, ageing and the need to keep creating.
A Unicorn Films production, in association with Screen Australia, Film Victoria and DDP Studio.
Poet Ilsa Gilbert
SCREENINGS
WORLD PREMIERE
Sydney Film Festival
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE
DOCNYC (New York)
In Competition – Special Jury Mention
AUSTRALIAN SHOWCASE
Melbourne International Film Festival
FURTHER FESTIVAL SCREENINGS
ZagrebDox
Hawaii International Film Festival
Salem Film Festival
Nominated – Best Cinematography
SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT
ACMI
Library of Congress
THEATRICAL RELEASE
Australia and New Zealand
TV BROADCAST
Australia (ABC, 7PLUS)
USA (PBS/WORLD)
REVIEWS
“Viewers will find themselves yearning for future instalments”
– Sarah Ward, Screen International
“Spong’s well-made film is charming and delightful”
– David Stratton, The Australian
“A film that is focused not on death but life, with a sense of affirmation that is rewarding but never overplayed”
– Craig Mathieson, The Age
“A timely reminder that we should not write off our elders”
– Stephen A. Russell, SBS
“Uncovering the powerful allure of art as it intersects with people’s lives is Rohan Spong’s specialty”
– Eloise Ross, Metro
“A moving, life-affirming visit… Spong’s observant eye and cinematic aesthetics lend the images a poetic realism”
– Stephen Pizzello, American Cinematographer
“It doesn’t take long to love every character in Winter at Westbeth“
– Aimie Cronin, NZ Herald
“A sensitive film about older work-a-day artists who have respect if not fame”
– Jo Reed, ArtWorks
“A charming glimpse into a world that proves there is worth in artistry”
– Glenn Dunks, The Film Experience
“We are reminded of the power of art to express joy and pain, to celebrate those no longer with us, to encompass a life”
– Michael Scott, Cue Dot Confessions
CREDITS
WRITER/DIRECTOR/DOP
Rohan Spong
PRODUCER
Lizzette Atkins
Adam Farrington-Williams
EDITOR
Peter Carrodus ASE
Cindy Clarkson ASE
COMPOSER
Georgia Fields
FEATURING MUSIC BY
Little Annie, Baby Dee and Donny Hathaway.
Photographs by Duncan Hewitt / Ta-DAH! Photo
rohanspong.com 