Fearless

BACKGROUND Poole's research is frequently ethnographic, as a documentary filmmaker he is deeply engaged in the study of human behaviour, particularly in everyday settings. In 2008 film and TV were failing to portray the diversity of the experience of ageing and older people they remain under-represented in key screen roles. CONTRIBUTION This film challenges misconceptions about ageing, particularly contributing new knowledge through an examination of the phenomenon this retiree who has taken up a second career. Julia Britton, 92, became a playwright in her 70s. The film centres on her trip to London to produce her play Fresh Pleasures about the life of Bloomsbury artist Duncan Grant. Fearless also examines the way in which artists challenge the values of the societies, (e.g. the historically changing role of women, the social issue of ageing, the place of censorship and issues of representation), and in doing so contribute to social participation and cohesion. The film also explores the creative and collaborative processes of theatre. It investigates these through two methodologies. First, as qualitative research it gathers information from playwright Julia Britton and her collaborators. Then, as a creative production, it has a narrative structure, provided by the process of producing Britton's play overseas. We see Julia engage with much younger collaborators in productive creative relationships: her set designer, theatre director and actors as she works to achieve her goal. We also see her interact with filmmakers Rob George and Mark Poole as they document this process. Audiences can see that while we age differently and behave diversely, older people can be successful in a new career. SIGNIFICANCE Funding: Victorian Government Community Support Fund (positive images of ageing), AFC, Film Victoria, Ovation. Purchased by ABC. Screened: Ovation, ABC1, 2. Distribution: national and international. ATOM study guide for secondary and post-secondary students.