Screening Of Georgie Girl Fundraiser

Screening Of Georgie Girl Helps Beyer Fight Kidney Disease

The acclaimed documentary Georgie Girl (2002) will be screening at theDocumentary Edge Festival in Wellington on June 4 at the Roxy in Wellington at 8.30 pm. The director Annie Goldson and Georgina Beyer, the central subject of the film, will be in attendance for a Q and A. All profits from the screening will be donated to Georgina to assist with her medical expenses. She is suffering from end-stage renal failure and needs dialysis four times a day. She is on the waiting list for a new kidney.

The world’s first ‘out transsexual’ to be elected to public office, Georgina has been an inspiration to many around the world as testified by the success of the film. The filmGeorgie Girl, which is based on Georgina’s colourful life story, screened at 30 international film festivals, including in Russia (where the cinema was burnt down) winning over 10 awards. It was broadcast on Channel 4 (UK), POV/PBS (UK), ABC (Australia), CBC (Canada) and many smaller channels. Showing originally on TV One.Georgie Girl was funded by New Zealand on Air, TVNZ, the Sundance Documentary Fund with assistance from the University of Auckland. The documentary continues to have an active life in the educational circuit.

Annie believes its international success was in part because it was in part a “rags to riches” story. “Georgina overcome almost insurmountable odds and did this through her humour, personality and determination” she said.

For those unable to attend the screening, Occasional Productions is streaming the film free in exchange for a donation to assist Georgina -- www.op.co.nz allows viewers to access the film, and to donate through the site Fundrzr.

About Georgina:

Georgina Beyer was first elected to public office in New Zealand as a Mayor in 1995, and then as a charismatic Member of Parliament in 1999.

The documentary, Georgie Girl highlights her extraordinary journey of overcoming adversity, marginalization and discrimination, to become a highly respected and celebrated leader.

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 will be much appreciated.

Her story has inspired millions, so if you, or anyone you know, can help Georgina in any way or want more information, please email us at savegeorgina@gmail.com.

Annie Goldson is a documentary filmmaker and Professor at the University of Auckland.

GEORGIE GIRL plays
4th June 2014 – 8:30pm
Tickets: $25.00 (booking fees may apply)
Bookings through www.roxycinema.co.nz

For more information and the latest news regarding the 2014 season, visit
www.documentaryedge.org.nz.

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