Sarah Jayne Portelli

Losing Sight of Shore At first glance Losing Sight of Shore seems to easily fit within the sports documentary genre. As the drama unfolds it’s clear however that it’s about much more than athleticism and setting world records. Director Sarah Moshman’s well planned, cleverly documented and sharply edited film explores the truth that humans have long been masters of adapting to their surroundings. The Coxless Crew, made up of six female rowers, were pushed beyond their mental and physical limits. Losing Sight of Shore proves that mental endurance is the toughest strength of all, which we all possess, but it takes pushing ourselves out of comfort zone to find it. Early on audiences will discover how fitting the tag line “Everyone’s got their own Pacific to cross” is – the quote perfectly summing up the documentary. It’s worth noting and commending the fact that each rower, who had their own reasons for taking part, bravely removed themselves from their daily routine and families, shunned gender expectations and halted daily work responsibilities. They chose to push their bodies and minds towards succeeding at a difficult task and this makes for an endearing and inspirational story. The documentary wouldn't be so captivating and insightful without the crew shooting part of this film as the nine month adventure progressed. Their footage gives the audience an insiders look at the journey undertaken while at the whim of the Pacific ocean in a nine foot boat named Doris. The crew film stunning vistas of vast ocean horizons, sunsets and underwater footage of sea-life, plus moments of pure meditative joy amongst the crew and little victories as milestones are reached. These highs are balanced with lows, all recorded through candid and intimate vlogs as the rower’s cope with news from the outside world and missing key calendar events. Such moments help the audience connect with the rowers as people and really feel for them at every turn. The toll this journey has on the human mind and the question of if the human spirit is strong enough to endure, and the strength of teamwork on display makes this film unmissable. Highly Recommended – S. J. Portelli for The Sound View Published September 2022: https://mailchi.mp/soundviewmediapartners.com/film-release-news-