The Blind Sea
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Professional athlete Matt Formston confronts a new, awe-inspiring challenge: surfing the biggest wave ever tackled by a blind surfer.
At the age of five, Matt lost 95% of his vision. It never stopped him from living the life he wanted and he became a Paralympic cyclist and world record holder. Matt’s life today isn’t just about sport – he’s also a husband, a father of three, and a corporate executive leading Diversity and Inclusion programs. Now a 4 x World Champion Para Surfer, Matt shares his experience by offering special blind goggles to Layne Beachley AO that recreate his vision on the waves. But the waves of the Sydney shoreline are nothing compared to Matt’s biggest challenge yet: taking on the infamous waves of Nazaré, Portugal, with support from big wave legend Dylan Longbottom.
Limited seats are available for patrons requiring access for wheelchairs, low vision and hearing loop. Please contact our ticketing team directly on 1300 733 733 or tickets@sff.org.au to complete your booking.Special Guests
Daniel Fenech
Director, Screenwriter
Daniel Fenech is an award-winning filmmaker based in Southwest Sydney and co-founder of Brick Studios. Working extensively in short-form documentaries, Fenech’s accolades include the Bronze at the New York Film & TV Awards in 2019, and Gold in the 2019 NSW Tourism Awards. His most recent producer credits is Christmess (2023).
Matt Formston
Cast / Principal participant
Matt Formston is a four-time Para Surfing World Champion and former Paralympic Cyclist. Diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy at age five, Formston lost 97% of his vision, but was determined to live a fulfilling life. He currently works as a Corporate Executive in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) at Optus, and is an Ambassador for Vision Australia.
Presented By
- Program Strand
- Documentary Australia Award
- Year
- 2024
- Classification
- All Ages
- Country
- Australia
- Language
- In English
- Director
- Daniel Fenech
- Producer
- Heath Davis, Daniel Fenech, Dylan Longbottom, Nicola Nossal, Erin Fenech
- Cast
- Matt Formston, Dylan Longbottom, Layne Beachley AO
- Screenwriter
- Daniel Fenech
- Cinematographer
- Chris Bland ACS
- Editor
- Daniel Fenech
- Premiere
- World Premiere
- Genre
- Australian Films, Documentary, Sport, Disability
- Company Credits
- Australian Distributor: Bonsai Films
- Official Website
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