Behind-the-scenes with our free life story film winner Sarah Kelly
Earlier this week, we filmed with the inspiring Sarah Kelly, the winner of our free legacy film winner in Melbourne. We received 133 nominations to create free legacy film, but Sarah’s story stood out. Her positivity and advocacy to raise money for brain cancer research are truly inspiring. Despite her diagnosis, Sarah is defying the odds. And she is using her voice in every way she can to raise money and awareness towards brain cancer research. As she says on her instagram bio - “The ending isn’t written yet”. From the moment I first spoke to Sarah it was clear - this film wouldn’t be a film about cancer, it would be a film about celebrating life. It was not a ‘goodbye video’ - it was a love letter to her daughter Esther which can be enjoyed now and in the many years to come.
Sarah’s Interview
We started our filming with Sarah’s life story interview. Sarah had been given the interview questions in advance and in the days before filming, we tweaked them so that we only covered what Sarah felt was important to include. Sarah had notes prepared on what she most wanted to convey to her daughter - such as key moments in her life, and advice she wished to impart which would be treasured in years to come.
Interview with hubby Steve
We then did a short interview with Sarah’s husband Steve. This was a nice way to get a second perspective on their love story (we had some fun with this), along with his beautiful words of love for his wife Sarah. Finally we reflected on all the beautiful traits Sarah has that he hopes his daughter Esther will inherit.
Family moments
Finally, once gorgeous 5 year old Esther was home from school, we filmed relaxed family moments like reading books, playing and we even filmed Sarah and Esther bike-riding around the block! These candid moments are what allow us to elevate interviews into documentaries during the editing process and they are just gorgeous. As filmmakers, we try and hang back, follow your lead, and film moments that are most natural and precious to you.
Support Sarah’s journey
Sarah Kelly is a genuinely inspiring person. She is proudly sharing her story living with Stage 3 brain cancer so that other’s can see there is hope even with this diagnosis. You can follow Sarah on Instagram at @sarahs_hope_ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sarahshopestory. She is currently raising money for the Brain Cancer Centre climbing Mt Wellington - you can donate here
Stay tuned!
We look forward to sharing parts of Sarah’s film with you soon. Some sections will remain private for her family, while others she’s happy to share. As with all our films, we only share with full permission—because these stories belong to you and your loved ones.
If you have a life story you want to record to enjoy in the years to come, please get in touch. We film all over Australia and would be honoured to be a part of your life story.
