The Queenscliff mother of four will this month give an insight into her life-long passion for the sport of Calisthenics, with the screening of the Australian documentary Graceful Girls.
The movie will feature on the opening night of the Bellarine Lighthouse Films Winter Program of Fine Art Films. (Friday 5th- Sunday 7th July).
It follows the path of one of Australia’s oldest clubs, Melbourne’s Regency Calisthenics Dance School, as it prepares for the sport’s pinnacle solo event – the century old Graceful Girl competition.
Liz and daughters Callista and Min are members of the club and all appear in the movie.
“I have been a bit nervous about the screening,” she admits. “This has been such a big part of my life and my kids’ lives and it’s funny having it exposed to everybody to be criticised or enjoyed.
“I’m hoping everybody will just enjoy it. he story is good, it’s a bit like watching Dance Mums but it’s not as cringe worthy. It’s an Australian story and it showcases a sport and it is a really skilled sport and the girls and the coaches are just so talented.”
Since its 2015 release Graceful Girls has received widespread acclaim including Best Documentary Award at last year’s Melbourne Film Festival.
It gives a stunningly honest perspective of the uniquely Australian dance sport and the characters that are involved.
“I just like the sport because you don’t have to be brilliant at it, it’s so inclusive, it brings all the components together of dance and gymnastics and ballet and team work and individual growth, it just works “ says Liz.
Since the documentary was filmed Min has moved on to focus on ballet at the Victorian College of the Arts, Callista is herself preparing to compete for the Most Graceful Girl title.
Both will be at the Queenscliff screening, bringing with them a number of competition costumes.
Five fine art films feature in this year's Festival line up. They include:
■ Friday 5 August @ 7pm | OPENING NIGHT FILM SCREENING + Q&A | Graceful Girls
■ Saturday 6 August @ 1.30pm | The Belier Family
■ Saturday 6 August @ 3.45pm | Like Father Like Son
■ Saturday 6 August @ 7.30pm | Wild Tales
■ Sunday 7August @ 11.00am | The Look of Silence
The full festival program, film synopsis and trailers can be viewed at: www.bellarinelighthousefilms.com.au
Weekend pass tickets cost $70 (includes opening night). Single sessions from $15.