No Ordinary Sheila

New Zealand 2017

If you haven’t already heard of Sheila Natusch, prepare to be inspired. The life story of this nonagenarian natural historian and writer is a beautiful, truly Antipodean journey, made with love by her nephew and long-time kiwi filmmaker, Hugh Macdonald.

Born in 1926 on Rakiura (Stewart Island) to the Traill family, Sheila’s early childhood memories include a near-drowning at the hands of schoolmates, which she shrugs off casually. Growing up in the deep south led to an adventurous resilience which saw her climb multiple mountains, cycle from Picton to Bluff and write dozens of groundbreaking natural history books, including the first comprehensive guide to New Zealand animals.

Featuring beautiful historic footage of the lower south in the 30s and 40s, this film also covers Natusch’s friendship with Janet Frame and their unsuccessful foray into teaching.

Viewers will love this radiant, defiant and unconventional life story which ranges from the southern wilds to the rugged coast of Owhiro Bay, where Sheila still lived until recently, without car, TV, lipstick or alcohol, planning to “get the last bit of fun out of life that there is.” — Jo Randerson