Edge of the World, The

This title is available to stream on demand on NFSA Player for personal use.

If you would like to access this title for any purpose other than private home viewing please contact us via the NFSA's Access Enquiry Form.

1998, 55 Minutes

The Edge of the World gives a unique insight into the intriguing work of Tim Winton, one of Australia’s finest authors. The “child prodigy” author won the Vogel Award at 21 for An Open Swimmer; the Miles Franklin Award at 24 for Shallows; the Deo Gloria Award and the Miles Franklin again at 32 with Cloudstreet; was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1995 for The Riders; and in the same year, a feature film of his novel In the Winter Dark was made, starring the Oscar-nominated British actress Brenda Blethyn.

In this film, Winton talks about his work, his influences and what drives him. He is interested in the way random tragedies beset people, and often draws on events from his childhood as the basis of his works. During the filming of The Edge of the World Winton was researching a new novel, giving the viewer an intriguing insight into a writer at work.

Shot in both Australia and Canada The Edge of the World includes stunning locations, most notably of the magnificent coast and hinterland of Australia’s north-west. It captures Tim Winton speaking about his great loves: his family, his work, the sea and fishing, and the many characters of the remote northern coast of Western Australia who have inspired his writing.

A Film Australia National Interest Program. Developed with the assistance of the NSW Film & Television Office. Produced with the assistance of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

FREE Teachers' Notes - Download here