An array of Australian sporting champions have been meshed with a kaleidoscope of iconic Sunshine Coast locations in a new Netflix film.
The Edge, which premiers on the streaming service next Friday (June 20) explores the raw truths behind Australian competitive sport, through the lens of three young women.
From the dramatic peaks of Mt Ngungun to the golden shores of Mooloolaba, the Sunshine Coast takes centre stage in the 3lite production.
Director, lead actor and writer Jane Larkin, a former member of the Australian sprinting team, brings authenticity to the film, which had its world premiere at the recent Gold Coast Film Festival.
“I grew up idolising male sports heroes on screen, but never saw authentic female sprinters or the real stories of minorities in elite sport,” Dr Larkin said.
“I trained among First Nations athletes, Paralympians and LGBTQIA+ teammates and I started writing The Edge at 15 because I wanted to see those stories told.”
Dr Larkin, who has previously appeared in Boy Swallows Universe and Thirteen Lives, is joined on screen by powerlifter Lily Riley and Japanese Paralympic swimmer Mei Ichinose.
She said the cast featured a dynamic mix of actors, Olympians and Paralympians, including Olympic gold medallists Sally Pearson and Leisel Jones, Tokyo Olympian Riley Day and Paralympian Braeden Jason.
“I’m so proud to film and set The Edge in my hometown of the Sunshine Coast.”
Sunshine Coast Council Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said the film was a powerful showcase of the region’s natural beauty, sporting excellence and creative talent.
“We’re thrilled to see the Sunshine Coast’s breathtaking landscapes, world-class sporting facilities and vibrant creative community showcased in The Edge,” Cr Natoli said.
“As a world-class training ground for elite athletes and an emerging destination for film production, the Sunshine Coast offers the perfect backdrop for The Edge.”
He said the film featured a wide range of iconic Sunshine Coast locations, including:
- Alexandra Headland Beach.
- Eaton Park, Sippy Downs.
- Maroochydore Boathouses & Canals.
- O2 Performance Gym, Warana.
- Old Soul Maroochydore Bar & Nightclub.
- Pluggas Film Studio, Warana.
- Strand Cinema Caloundra.
- Suncity Tenpin Bowling.
- University of the Sunshine Coast – including the Athletics Track, 25m and 50m pools, high performance gym, recovery centre, tutorial rooms, lecture theatres, cup of E café, and campus grounds.
