Film re-issued to help Georgina Beyer

University academic’s film to help Georgina Beyer fight kidney disease

Professor Annie Goldson’s critically acclaimed film Georgie Girl (2001) is being re-issued to raise money for Georgina Beyer, the film’s charismatic star, who has end-stage renal failure.

The documentary is being streamed through the Occasional Productions website, www.op.co.nz which allows viewers to access the film in exchange for a donation.

Georgie Girl will also be screening at the Documentary Edge Film Festival in Wellington on June 4, which Annie and Georgina will attend. All box office profits will go to the “Save Georgina” Fund. For more information visit: http://documentaryedge.org.nz/2014/wgtn/film/georgie-girl.

The world’s first ‘out transsexual’ to be elected to public office Georgina, who is of Te Āti Awa descent, has been an inspiration to many around the world. The documentary Georgie Girl, made while Georgina was a Labour Party MP, highlights her extraordinary journey of overcoming adversity, marginalisation and discrimination, to become a highly respected and celebrated leader.

Georgie Girl screened at over 30 international film festivals, winning 10 awards. The documentary was broadcast on Channel 4 (UK), POV/PBS (UK), ABC (Australia), CBC (Canada) and many smaller channels. It showed originally on TV One and was funded by TVNZ, New Zealand on Air, and the Sundance Documentary Fund with assistance from the University of Auckland. The documentary continues to circulate widely through tertiary institutions worldwide.

“I think the film succeeded because of the strength of Georgina as a character. As an indigenous transgender and former sex-worker, she overcame almost insurmountable odds and did this through her humour, personality and determination,” Professor Goldson says. “Her indefatigable spirit is helping her now”.

Georgina was diagnosed with renal failure in 2013 and is now on a rigorous programme of peritoneal dialysis and associated medications. She is on a long waiting list for a transplant, and due to tiring dialysis four times a day, the most basic day-to-day activities are a huge challenge. Any support for Georgina during this ordeal would be much appreciated, Professor Goldson says.

For further information, please email savegeorgina@gmail.com.

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