BBFF24: The Life and Death of Westerly Windina

In 2008, years after nearly drowning in a traumatic and life-changing surfing accident, Drouyn suddenly resurfaced by coming out as a trans woman on national television. Her new name, she said, was Westerly Windina. “It was a supernova,” Westerly said of her gender awakening. “It just kicked in one night, and suddenly Peter went; Westerly was there.” The surf community, and Australia at large, were astonished. Though she’d once been a top-tier athlete with sponsorships and a burgeoning acting career, Westerly was now living in public housing on Australia’s Gold Coast – alone, poor, and often taunted by her neighbours. The Life and Death of Westerly Windina explores Westerly’s upbringing, her years as a surfing titan, and follows her into a new chapter as she searches for acceptance from friends, family, a still-hyper masculine sport, and most importantly – from herself. World Premiere Filmmakers in attendance