BBFF2022 Meet the Filmmakers: Andrew Englisch and Hamish Pattison
Gone With The Wing
Andrew Englisch is an award winning film maker, photographer, pilot and adventurer, with cinematographer Hamish Pattison comes a stunning, intimate and raw portrait of Andrew’s journey to raise himself out of the depths of depression and be the first person to cross one of the most dangerous stretches of water on the planet the treacherous Bass Strait on his Wing Foil.
We had a chat to Andrew Englisch about ‘Gone With The Wing’ and his journey through the process of making this film.
Screening at Lennox Head Cultural Centre
Sunday 23 October at 3:30pm with The Endless Summer
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How did you come to discover the story in your film, where did it develop from?
During Covid I was battling mental health issues stuck in lockdown and decided to get myself out of the rut and raise money for Waves of Wellness (Mental Health Surf Therapy) . To celebrate my 55th birthday I decided to attempt to become the worlds first person to cross treacherous Bass Strait between Tasmania and Victoria on a wing foil.
Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker?
Not originally. I was trained as an industrial designer then owned a graphic design business before switching to a creative director and then starting a film production business. You could call me a 'slashie'.
As a filmmaker what is your favourite memory you had in the process of creating this film?
The best part was winning 'Best Film' in Italy which completely blew my mind. I had no idea people would be interested in my crazy little journey about an ol' bugger chasing his dream.
Why do you think short films are an important medium to explore creativity through?
Short film is an achievable and easily digestible format to create a powerful narrative in an efficient manor.
Part of the filmmaking process is you will face challenges, how did you overcome these especially with filming in unpredictable elements?
Massive challenges - Severe weather, Unpredictable elements, deadly sea life, safety issues, personal insecurities.
What is next for you in the future?
More bigger adventures and films that raise awareness for mental health.
What is your biggest creative influence on your filmmaking style?
Werner Herzog (Documentary film maker), Ken Burns (Documentary Film Maker), Jimi Chin (Adventure Film Maker).
What are your thoughts on film festivals and the benefits they have to filmmakers like yourself?
Film festivals are critical for film makers to share their stories and allow the public to experience a broad range of topics which they may not otherwise be able to see. Also I think it is a fantastic community opportunity for regions such as Byron.
