Winter at Westbeth

Presented as part of UPSTAGEING Canberra

2016 | DCP | USA/AUS | D: Rohan Spong 
Audio Description available  

Filmed inside New York’s historic Westbeth Artists Housing the film follows the lives of three retired artists: Edith Stephen, former dancer and documentarian; Lisa Gilbert, cancer-surviving poet; and Dudley Williams, a dancer preparing for a stage comeback, as they reflect on their lives and legacy.

Director Rohan Spong explores creativity, memory and endurance through conversations and reflective moments showing how artistic identity persists despite physical decline and cultural invisibility. Winter at Westbeth offers an intimate look at creating art across a lifetime, valuing process and community over recognition.

‘A tender and respectful portrait of artists still negotiating meaning at the edges of visibility.’
- Guy Lodge, Variety

Digital screening from the NFSA collection


Ahead of the feature film we will screen two short films:  

Aunts on Scooters  
2022 | AUS | 3 mins | D: Somebody’s Aunt 
 
Winner of the ‘Ageing with Attitude Award’ at the UPSTAGEING Video and Short Film Competition. In partnership with Screen Canberra, the competition, is a cornerstone of UPSTAGEING - Canberra’s first large-scale celebration of creative ageing. By centring stories told for, by or with older people, the competition aims to dismantle ageism and celebrate the profound contributions older Canberrans make to our culture. 
 
Kiku  
2023 | AUS | 14 mins | D: Natsuko Yonezawa 
 
Kiku is an intergenerational, short dance film directed by Natsuko Yonezawa. This collaborative film brings together 6 remarkable women over 50 and who express their individual journeys of ageing through movement. The film is accompanied by an original choral soundtrack by composer Rebecca Hilliard, sung by members of the ANU Chamber Choir and the Luminescence Children’s Choir. This film invites the Canberra community to approach the topic of ageing with an open heart and mind. 

The NFSA offers audio description services through Dolby Accessibility Solution receivers. A total of 15 receivers are available for selected screenings. 
 
To book your receiver 

• Email tickets@nfsa.gov.au with your name, contact details, and the screening you would like the receiver for. 
• Unreserved receivers will be available from reception before the screening. Receivers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To collect your receiver 

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your screening start time and collect from NFSA Reception (McCoy Circuit entrance). 
• An NFSA staff member will set up your receiver and provide a brief demonstration on how to use it 
• Headphones are provided, however, you’re welcome to bring your own if they have a 3.5mm headphone jack.