Jessica Watson biopic for Netflix
Biopic to chart record-breaking sail around the world by heroic 16 yr old Australian.
- Published by David Knox
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A biopic movie on record-breaking teen sailor Jessica Watson is in development for Netflix.
Based on her book True Spirit, the film will chart the incredible true story of the 16 year old, who, in 2009, became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Jessica Watson accomplished what many thought impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of oceans and surviving seven knockdowns while at sea for 210 days.
After navigating and surviving some of the world’s most remote oceans, she was met by the Prime Minister upon her arrival home, who declared her an Australian hero. But Watson even disagreed with him, saying she didn’t consider herself a hero—just an ‘ordinary person, who had a dream, worked hard at it and proved that anything really is possible’.
Watson, who will consult on the biopic, also self-filmed a documentary, 210 Days, while at sea, which is narrated by Sir Richard Branson. She was named Young Australian of the Year in 2011 and received an OAM (Order of Australian Medal) in 2012 for service to sailing and as a role model for young Australians.
The project is written by Cathy Randall and Sarah Spillane (Around the Block, This Life), who also directs.
Jessica Watson OAM: “It’s quite humbling to have Netflix bring my story to life. I hope that the film inspires people around the world to try sailing and to also pursue their own adventures. I’m thrilled that it will be directed by Sarah and supported by such a strong production team.”
Director Sarah Spillane said, “I am honoured and excited to be charged with bringing Jessica’s extraordinary journey to screen. What drew me to Jessica’s story is her relentless fight and determination to defy the odds and accomplish her dream in a world that is largely dominated by men, making her a source of inspiration for so many people, especially young women, across the globe.”
Executive Producer Shahen Mekertichian: “The hallmark of Sunstar Entertainment has been to bring to the world audience true, inspirational, Australian-centric stories. We feel privileged to have finally found the right partner in Netflix to articulate Jessica’s incredible story authentically and without compromise“.
Producer: Debra Martin Chase (Harriet, The Princess Diaries, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) for Martin Chase Productions and Andrew Fraser (Lion) for Sunstar Entertainment
Executive Producers: Shahen Mekertichian (Lion) for Sunstar Entertainment; Sarah Spillane
6 Responses
Heroic? Did she do it to raise money for a good cause?
Even Watson didn’t consider it heroic and said so. She was a great young Australian doing something that had not been done before. A great achievement and story for one who started out with dyslexia, its about achievement and proving anything is possible with perseverance..
The preview to this article before you click on it is: “Biopic to chart record-breaking sail around the world by heroic 16 yr old Australian.”
Overcoming adversity at 16 good enough for me.
But then you read the story.
Battling the World’s oceans alone, at any age, deserves the descriptive heroic imo.