Netflix will release True Spirit, based on the inspirational true story of Jessica Watson as she sets out to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
The film, which was shot in Australia, will be released in select theatres in January 2023 and available on the streaming service from February 3.
True Spirit follows Watson (played by Teagan Croft) on her journey as she sets out to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. She sailed out of Sydney in October 2009 on a non-stop voyage around the world and returned in May 2010.
Teagan Croft
With the support of her sailing coach and mentor Ben Bryant (Cliff Curtis) and her parents (Josh Lawson and Academy Award winner Anna Paquin), Watson 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.
True Spirit is directed by Sarah Spillane and written by Spillane, Rebecca Banner and Cathy Randall with Debra Martin Chase, Susan Cartsonis and Andrew Fraser serving as producers.
The film also co-stars Bridget Webb, Vivien Turner, Stacy Clausen and Todd Lasance in the true story of perseverance and human accomplishment that shows that you are only as big as the dreams you dare to live.
Josh Lawson, Anna Paquin with Teagan Croft
Sydney’s Sunstar Entertainment will produce True Spirit, with US producer Debra Martin Chase.
Sunstar’s directors, Shahen Mekertichian and Andrew Fraser, have worked together on this project for many years and were elated that it will finally be made into a feature film.
Mekertichian said: “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. We’re really pleased to make this exciting announcement today,” she added.
Fraser said: “True Spirit has been Sunstar’s passion project. We have waited a long time for the stars to align and for us to feel comfortable that the right ingredients were present to do justice to Jessica’s achievement.
“Our partnership with Netflix will ensure Jessica’s epic story is shared with a global audience, as it deserves to. We’re really happy for Jessica too,” he added.
See also: Sydney’s Sunstar Entertainment making Jessica Watson biopic for Netflix
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Top image: Teagan Croft with Jessica Watson
Teagan Croft with director Sarah Spillane