Match Point Films has announced the theatrical release of the feature-length documentary “True South,” which premiered at Westpac Open Air Cinema earlier this month and will open in Australian cinemas on Thursday, March 5.
Every year, the nation watches the beginning of the Sydney to Hobart race on Boxing Day as yachts leave Sydney Harbour and turn south, sailing over 1,170km to Hobart and crossing one of the most unforgiving oceans in the world, the Bass Strait, in a competition that’s as much about survival as it is about victory.
The release of “True South” coincides with the 80th anniversary of the race, and tells its story through the eyes of the Winning and Dean families. Herman Winning and Nathan and Peter Dean entered the race in 2023, 25 years after the tragic 1998 race, where severe east coast low weather conditions saw six sailors lose their lives, including Nathan and Peter’s father, John.
Director Dave Klaiber, joined by creator and producer Will Alexander, a lifelong friend of the families, follows Herman, Nathan and Peter, as they honour those who came before them in the race and mourn those who never came home — an intensely personal project that reveals the life or death stakes of the massive sporting event.
While promoting the film’s 2025 premiere, Alexander said, “This is not my story — it is the story of the Winning and Dean families. I was trusted to tell it because of a friendship that goes back to childhood. We filmed 25 years on from the 1998 race — a race to remember — and to now premiere during the 80th anniversary feels deeply meaningful. ‘True South’ is a tribute to courage, to family, and to the sailors who never made it home.”
“True South” is narrated by Sigrid Thornton AO (“Wentworth,” “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”) and features an original score composed by Elena Kats-Chernin AO (“Wild Swans”). “True South” is the first realm release for distributor Match Point Films, helmed by Lisa Garner and Matt Soulos.
“True South” will release in cinemas on Thursday, March 5. Watch the trailer below.
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