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ICE MAIDEN
‘Ice Maiden’ charts the uncompromising determination of Australian Lisa Blair, who became the first woman in history to sail solo around Antarctica. It’s an epic tale of perseverance, pushing limits and believing you can achieve something even when you don’t yet know how.
Ice Maiden is a feature length documentary, tracking the astonishing journey of solo-adventurer Lisa Blair as she embarks on her voyage to be the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica.
Equal parts ambitious and treacherous, this trip has only ever been completed twice, and Lisa’s goal is to break the current record for speed. Confidently conquering the most perilous parts of the journey, Lisa’s confidence in her success grows. This shatters when she realizes no amount of preparation can guarantee her safe return.
When unexpected and life-threatening weather conditions cause catastrophe, Lisa will need to dig into every ounce of courage, determination and self-belief to not only finish this course, but survive in the most dangerous waters on the planet. This is her story.
Rated: M
Release Date: August 11th 2024
Film Festivals & Awards
Ice Maiden Nominations
Warsaw International Film Festival
Best Documentary Feature
Doc Edge Film Festival
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Director
Best Cinematography
ARTICLES & PRESS
Film Ink
A thrilling portrait of a truly extraordinary woman, Ice Maiden is documentary filmmaking at its best.
The Project
Solo Sailor Lisa Blair Takes On Antartica In Tough Conditions
City Hub
An unforgettable true story of courage and resilience
NZ Listener
Two Aussies master the waves in two swell-powered documentaries
ABC Radio
For Adventurer Lisa Blair a broken mast could have meant the end of her life
Salt Water Journal
Ice Maiden: Surviving in the Southern Ocean with Lisa Blair
Cinema Australia
Gripping documentary Ice Maiden to set sail around Australia – See the trailer here!
ABC Radio
‘Storms, knockdowns and disastrous situations’: Life on board with solo sailor Lisa Blair
Film Ink
Box Office Report: 8 – 11 August 2024
Salt Water Journal
Ice Maiden: The Making Of with Nathaniel C.T. Jackson
The Film Fest Report
Doc Edge 2024: Ice Maiden | Interview of Nathaniel Jackson
Film Ink
Nathaniel C.T. Jackson: Sets Sail with Ice Maiden
Salt Water Journal
Ice Maiden: Behind the Scenes With Lisa Blair
RNZ
Lisa Blair: ‘I only have to think about eat, sleep, sail’
Christchurch NZ
Sailing Solo Around Antarctica
The Post
Ice Maiden: The incredible survival of lone sailor Lisa Blair
Film Ink
Ice Maiden Cruises Into DocEdge
BIOS
Meet the Cast
Lisa Blair
PROFESSIONAL SAILOR, ADVENTURER, FILM SUBJECT
Lisa Blair is one of Australia’s most famous solo sailors. With more than 80 000 nautical miles of ocean sailing, numerous records and experience sailing around the world in the Clipper 2011-12 Round the World Yacht Race Lisa has stamped her mark on the world of sailing.
Lisa has been featured on TV Sunrise and many other shows and publications.
Lisa was awarded the Spirit of Adventure award by Australian Geographic and the Seamanship Award by the Ocean Cruising Club
Lisa has led the first all-female team in 16 years to race in the Rolex 2017 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on board her yacht Climate Action Now.
In 2019, Lisa once again made history as she competed with her yacht d’Albora/Climate Action Now in the ORCV Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Race. Lisa raced with Jackie Parry and together they were the first double-handed female team in the history of the race to compete.
In November of 2020 Lisa’s debut book, Facing Fear was published by Australian Geographic and now in 2021.
Jessica Watson
AUSTRALIAN SAILOR, ORDER OF AUSTRALIA RECIPIENT
Jessica Watson is an Australian sailor who was awarded the Order of Australia Medal after attempting a solo circumnavigation at the age of 16.
Although her voyage did not meet the distance criterion of 21,600 nautical miles (40,000 km) for a circumnavigation, Watson was nevertheless named the 2011 Young Australian of the Year and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2012 for “…service to sailing and to youth through the achievement of sailing solo and unassisted around the world, and as a role model for young Australians”.
Dick Smith
ADVENTURER, ENTREPRENEUR, PILOT
Dick Smith is an Australian entrepreneur, aviator and philanthropist. He holds a number of aviation world records and is the founder of Dick Smith Electronics, Australian Geographic and Dick Smith Foods.
He was selected as 1986 Australian of the Year. In 2010, he founded the media production company Smith&Nasht with the intention of producing films about global issues. In 2015, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia.
Jeff Jauncey
LISA’S SHORE MANAGER
Jeff Jauncey is an experienced sailor and was instrumental in helping Lisa with her circumnavigation of Antarctica.
Robert McDavitt
METEOROLOGIST, DIRECTOR OF METTBOB
Bob McDavitt assisted Lisa with her weather and navigation planning.
Anne Lise Guy
SAILOR, ADVENTURER
Anne Lise Guy is an Australian Sailor who has previously attempted to circumnavigate Antarctica. She has been an advisor to Lisa leading up to her attempt to circumnavigate Antarctica.
Linda Blair
LISA’S MOTHER
Linda Blair is Lisa’s mother and ardent supporter of Lisa and her adventures.
Shelley Blair
LISA’S SISTER
Sister to Lisa Blair, Shelley has been there helping and supporting her sister through thick and thin.
Robb Clifton
OPERATIONS & SAFTEY BRANCH, AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC DIVISION
Robb Clifton works with the Australian Antarctic Division and has world class knowledge and experience of Antarctica.
Meet the Film Makers
Nathaniel C. T. Jackson
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, CINEMATOGRAPHER
Award-winning filmmaker Nathaniel C. T. Jackson is the producer and director of ICE MAIDEN. Co-directed with James Blannin-Ferguson the film charts the uncompromising determination of Lisa Blair as she attempts to circumnavigate Antarctica and as everything goes wrong, fights to survive.
Nathaniel C. T. Jackson is the founder of the media production company Jackson Speed and industry blog and events brand AnyCameraWillDo.com, which supports and promotes Australian productions.
Nathaniel’s films include “54 Days” 2014 (Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema Best of Festival, Best Foreign Film, Best Cinematography, Best Screen Play, Best Score Winner); “Drop The Mic” 2017 (Multiple award winning short, Heartland Film Festival Selection); “Eveleigh Innovation”2018 (Documenting the end of the Australian Technology Park). Nathaniel directed the 2021 Wheelchair Rugby highlights broadcast on Fox Sports in 2021.
His short films have enjoyed both national and international success and been selected for numerous festivals including the Byron Bay film festival & Heartland Film Festival.
With a positive, can-do attitude and near 2 decades of industry experience, Nathaniel brings his A-game to every production.
James Blannin-Ferguson
CO-DIRECTOR, EDITOR
James has a strong background in documentary with a love for directing and editing. He has a proactive attitude and hands-on approach to production. He loves writing scripts, developing ideas and getting a reaction from the audience.
He has produced and directed numerous short and feature documentaries, TVC’s and corporate films over his decade working in the film industry. His award-winning short documentary ‘Drop The Mic’ has enjoyed festival success on the local and international stage, including the Academy accredited Heartland Film Festival.
Drawn to character-driven projects, James loves getting to know the people he works with and bringing out the true heart of their stories.
PHOTO GALLERY
