When she was born, one of the first things filmmaker Alice Ward’s mother noticed was how salty her skin was. “Little did she know that this was a tale tell sign for Cystic Fibrosis. It took seven months for them to diagnose me and during that time I was not expected to live,” says Alice of the life-threatening genetic disease that affects the movement of salt and water in and out of cells, impacting her lungs and digestive system.
Salt a film by Alice Ward is an intimate and artistic exploration of the unexpected and life threatening role that sodium chloride (NaCl) has played throughout the award-winning filmmaker’s life. Ahead of the world premiere as part of the London Surf / Film Festival (7th November, Riverside Studios), we spoke to Alice about this short biopic and her motivation for sharing her story.
“From the moment I was born salt has played an integral role in my life,” explains the award-winning filmmaker who would become the first woman in Ireland to start swimming out to shoot surf from the water. “My journey into surf filmmaking was propelled by the lack of female representation in the Irish surf scene,” she continues. “I hope that ‘Salt’ inspires and empowers anyone who might be in a similar position to me.”
Bringing together hundreds of hand printed cyanotypes in beautiful animation with stunning cinematography and stirring narration and interviews, SALT is powerful and intimate.
The motivation for the project, is equally so, “I want to demonstrate to individuals grappling with serious illnesses that their conditions need not always dictate their lives, that they possess capabilities beyond their doctor’s prognoses,” she explains. “I aim to illustrate the positive impact that immersing myself in the ocean has had on my health. I surf and swim with my camera all year around, embracing the harsh Irish winters and cold water. It has made me tough and resilient, both mentally and physically. The ocean has become one of my most important medicines.” These feel like words to live by.
Salt screens as part of the 13th Edition London Surf / Film Festival x Finisterre. Hosted 7-9 November at the Riverside Studios, LS/FF brings to the UK three nights of the very best premieres from across the globe, sharing them as they were intended to be enjoyed – on the big screen accompanied by a packed out crowd of likeminded individuals. Accompanied by ‘Audiences With…” some of the most exciting surfers and creatives plus workshops, talks, good times and more, LS/FF is a celebration of the cream of international culture.
