"One of the greatest freedoms as a creative organisation is to be able to make your own ideas."
Production company SAFARI has just released their latest brand-supported film titled ‘Gone with the Wing’ which showcases a world-first attempt to wingfoil across Bass Strait. The film is experiencing major global exposure in film festivals, winning a swag of awards across Europe and North America.
The film and expedition was developed in early 2022 and sponsored by leading adventure brands in Mountain Designs, Jeep, board/wing manufacturer Fanatic and high-profile non-alcoholic brand 'Heaps Normal'.
The film follows Andrew Englisch, a creative turned photographer turned filmmaker, who in the depths of Melbourne’s world-leading COVID lockdowns taught himself to wing foil. And helped raise over $11,000 for Waves of Wellness – a charity that specifically uses water and surf therapy to help tackle mental health and PTSD challenges.
Most recently GWTW was awarded ‘Best Cinematography’ at the Sony Catchlight Film Festival in an incredible black-tie gala in Sydney, having also won ‘Best Adventure Short Film’ at the Canadian Adventure Action Film Festival and ‘Best Film’ at the ‘Foiling Film Festival’ held on Lake Garda beating rivals including from America’s Cup team – Luna Rossa Prad Pirelli – with funding of over $145m. The film will also feature in the Ocean Film Festival World Tour with over 100 screenings in 10 countries.
Chris Hartley, CMO Mountain Designs said: "We are constantly looking for ways to make our brand relevant across the outdoors and adventure community – from the mountains to the sea, and this journey and documentary was incredibly unique in that regard. Andrew is also a brilliant creative and I knew that the SAFARI team would create incredible content that we could activate as a brand.”
Andrew English, SAFARI partner and wingfoiler said: “Creativity comes in many forms and always has challenges in the process, so to layer a psychical and mental challenge on top of a creative challenge was one of the hardest things we have ever attempted. But the success has been incredibly sweet. Especially the contribution to Waves of Wellness, something I deeply believe in.”
Chris Jeffares from SAFARI, who was a Producer on the film said: "One of the greatest freedoms as a creative organisation is to be able to make your own ideas.
"And it has been incredibly rewarding to see something that started as floundering around in Port Phillip Bay, became something that has been recognised for its compelling storytelling and craft across the world. Especially as we have been able to weave our brand partners through the film in more authentic ways.”
Credits:
Produced by Safari
Directors - Andrew Englisch & Hamish Pattison
Editor - Hamish Pattison
Exec Producers - Nigel Camilleri & Chris Jeffares
Photographer - Michael Peters
