interview: first love
First Love is an Australian documentary made entirely by three women, about three female teenage surfers. Set in Philip Island and Hawaii, the film recently won the award for Best Documentary at X Dance – the Action/Sports section of the Sundance Film Festival. I had the opportunity to speak with writer/producer Fran Derham and the cast Nikki, Jess and India about their experiences on the film.
Fran became involved with First Love when she was working at a commercial photography studio in Melbourne with fellow producer and Art Director Clare Plueckhahn, who approached her about the idea of making a surfing documentary with director/cinematographer/editor Claire Gorham. “Being a writer and having worked in the surf industry growing up, I was like, ‘Well make sure you put a storyline in it, because I’m sick of seeing surf movies with no story.’ That’s when she asked me to get on board. It pretty much snowballed from there,” Fran says.
From the get-go Fran was determined to ensure that the film had a strong storyline and a strong idea. “I think these are two different things,” Fran says. “The story follows India, Nikki and Jess to Hawaii – the first leg of their journey to become professional surfers. But the idea behind the film is that if you fall in love with surfing (or anything), it never really lets you go. And when you love something so much, it can make you, or break you. It can send you into the depths of despair, but it can also pull you through almost anything,” she says with passion. She also adds that, “So many surfers always say ‘you can’t describe it; only a surfer knows the feeling of surfing.’ Rubbish. I think First Love, as a film, does exactly that.”
While Fran found the script writing process fairly easy, she did encounter some challenges when it came to the business side of things. “Sponsorship and funding was the first hurdle, then it was getting people to believe that we could do it. It was pretty tough inspiring belief in other people – that we weren’t just a bunch of chicks filming in bikinis on the beach.”
As female filmmakers, the three women also encountered some problems. “People didn’t really take us seriously,” she says. “But at the same time, old men seem to take a shining to young women going about breaking balls and achieving their dreams” she laughs. Other challenges included the filming locations. “We were up against mother nature. You can’t tell her when to turn the waves on. You just have to be ready for when she does”.
Fran left me with some important tips for aspiring filmmakers:
1) Just get out there and do it. Don’t sit around and wait for someone to hand you an opportunity.
2) Say yes. You never know what will come of an opportunity. Just remember you can turn it into something.
3) Hone your skill. It’s good to know how everything works, but you need to have one thing you can do in particular.
4) Practice.
5) Learn to put yourself into other people’s shoes – I think that’s the biggest thing you need to learn if you want to be a writer. You should be able to write from the heart, but write like an accountant or a farmer if you need to.
6) Be passionate and enthusiastic. Smile. No grumpy faces or ‘Negative Nancys’ – no one likes to work with people like that.
7) Work with people you love, and people who are good at what they do.
How did it feel to have a documentary made about your lives?
JESS: It was hard to do because your whole life is being made public and you don’t know how people are going to perceive you. But in saying that, I am really glad I did it because hopefully there will be people out there that are inspired by what we do.
INDIA: It was a strange feeling at first thinking that someone wants to follow me around and document my life but I have gotten used to the fact that it’s an amazing thing to have happened and a great opportunity.
NIKKI: It felt fairly strange at first being followed around with a camera. I didn’t think anyone would be interested in what I do. Now I’m really pleased that part of my story has been documented and I can look back on myself and see how far I’ve come in the last couple of years.
How would you describe the surfing culture in Philip Island?
JESS: Phillip Island is known as “Blokes Island”. So obviously surfing is male dominated, but everyone encourages us and the guys in the water are pretty good with sharing waves… sometimes!
INDIA: The surfing culture on is huge, it’s also a very close tight-knit community – everyone pushes and supports one another.
NIKKI: I’d describe Phillip Island’s surfing culture as pretty strong. We’re only a small population so everyone pretty much knows each other, and the mood in the water is friendly. But the truly committed get sorted from the ‘fair weather’ surfers in wintertime when our water temperatures drop to about 11 degrees.
What do you think the message of the film is?
JESS: Everyone goes through hard times or struggles at one point or another throughout their life, but if you love something (whether it be a sport or hobby or whatever), it will help you through those times.
INDIA: The message of the film is to never give up on your dreams no matter what life path you face because everyone is shown obstacles in life – and it shows some of the ones we face in the movie. Never give up on your dreams no matter how big they are.
NIKKI: I think the real message of the film is a really positive one about girls doing their thing, and having fun in the water. It also shows it’s important to follow your passion even if it’s hard. Disappointment can bring determination and I think this is true for all of us.
What’s next for you all?
JESS: This year I’m traveling around Australia doing the Pro Junior Series for Under 20 year olds. As well as going where ever the movie takes me. I’m hoping to get over to Hawaii at the end of this year, but will have to wait and see what happens.
INDIA: Next for me is to do some contests throughout the year, but because I’m also doing year 12, I’m trying to concentrate on that as well.
NIKKI: For now I have to concentrate on school. I’m in year 11 so it’s hotting up there. Competition wise, I’m travelling to Peru for the World Juniors in May and have some Pro Junior and women’s events coming up as well.
