SOMERSAULT FILM: Exclusive Interview w/ Director Cate Shortland

ABOUT SOMERSAULT FILM Somersault is a visually haunting film set at the foot of the Australian ski fields. It tells the story of a young girl’s sensory journey, through which she learns the true meaning of love, family, and friendship. Living with her young single mother, sixteen-year-old Heidi (played by Abbie Cornish), starved of true affection, looks to short-lived sexual encounters for the physical and emotional contact she craves. A confrontation with her mother becomes the catalyst for Heidi leaving home and fleeing to the snow resort town of Lake Jindabyne. Once there, she contacts a previous fling but is left to fend for herself with little money and no job. Between searching for work, Heidi explores the countryside, finding solace in the striking natural beauty around her. A chance encounter with Joe (played by Sam Worthington), the son of a wealthy local farmer, leads to a developing relationship in all its complexity. A local motel owner, Irene (played by Lynette Curran), sensing Heidi’s turmoil, offers her a place to stay. Feeling uplifted, Heidi finds a job at a local petrol station and befriends her co-worker Bianca (played by Hollie Andrew). Her new life begins to take shape. Resistant at first, Joe finds himself drawn to Heidi. However, his ongoing internal struggles prevent him from fully committing to the relationship. Instead, he withdraws without explanation. Joe’s relationship with Heidi challenges his ideas about sexuality, class, and his future in Jindabyne. Confused and hurt by the rejection, Heidi seeks intimacy in the seedy nightclubs of the tourist town. As her world unravels, she damages the relationships she has begun to build. In the harsh light of morning, Heidi must face the hurt she has caused others. Through the transforming power of forgiveness, she discovers that she is stronger and more worthy than she had ever realized. DIRECT LINK TO APPLE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cate-shortland-somersault-on-female-filmmaking-vulnerability/id1485475729?i=1000751030239 FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE: https://www.chonacas.com/links/