Netflix’s new film True Spirit tells the true story of 16-year-old Australian sailor, Jessica Watson. At the age of 16, Jessica Watson set sail on her journey to be the youngest sailor to circumnavigate the globe. Solo. Jessica wrote a book, as well as created a documentary with the use of her video journals along the way.

Now, we have a new film from Director Sarah Spillane expanding on the story you may already know. I had a chance to sit down and talk with Sarah about her vision for the film. We also discussed how she got involved, as well as her favorite page-to-screen moment.

INTERVIEW WITH SARAH SPILLANE – DIRECTOR/CO-WRITER OF TRUE SPIRIT

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

When the tenacious young sailor Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft) sets out to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, many expect her to fail. With the support of her sailing coach and mentor Ben Bryant (Cliff Curtis) and her parents (Josh Lawson and Academy Award winner Anna Paquin), Jessica is determined to accomplish what was thought to be impossible, navigating some of the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean over the course of 210 days.

Directing True Spirit is Sarah Spillane. Writing the film is also Sarah Spillane, as well as Rebecca Banner, and Cathy Randall. Producing the film are Debra Martin Chase, Susan Cartsonis, and Andrew Fraser.

Starring in the film is Teagan Croft, Cliff Curtis, Bridget Webb, Vivien Turner, Stacy Clausen, and Todd Lasance, with Josh Lawson as well as Anna Paquin.

True Spirit comes to Netflix beginning February 3rd, 2023!