Indigenous perspective grounds new surf documentary in connection and care
When Emma Lee was approached to appear in a film about surfing, it wasn’t the sport that drew her in. Instead, it was the opportunity to contribute to a broader conversation on how people, particularly young men, understand themselves and their relationship to the world around them.
Professor Lee OAM, who is based on Tasmania’s northwest coast, features in the new film Southern Edge. The documentary follows a group attempting to circumnavigate Tasmania in two 18-foot sailing kayaks, chasing remote surf breaks along the island’s rugged coastline. What begins as an ambitious physical challenge evolves into a slow journey that invites deeper connection with place, Country and self.
Professor Lee’s on-screen presence is limited but her influence is felt throughout the film. Her perspective helps shape not only its underlying message but also the way the filmmakers themselves come to understand their journey.
“They approached me because of my message of welcome and connection to Country. I said to them, ‘I know nothing about surfing — but I certainly know a little bit about Sea Country’.”
For Professor Lee, Sea Country goes far beyond the physical environment — it speaks to identity, belonging and responsibility.
“Sea Country is my everything. I am of Sea Country and that means I know my place in the world.”
Although Southern Edge is grounded in surf culture, it explores broader themes around connection, purpose and identity. It also offers an alternate way of thinking about strength — one that emphasises care, respect and awareness.
“There are alternatives in how they connect with the world. Being gentle on themselves and gentle on the world in return.”
This idea becomes a turning point in the film. Partway through production, severe weather disrupted the crew’s plan to complete their circumnavigation by sea. Rather than pushing forward they made the decision to head inland and re-evaluate what the journey meant.
“They realised finishing the journey isn’t the goal – it’s about connecting to Country,” Professor Lee said.
She said the shift captures a deeper lesson – that fulfillment doesn’t come from conquering environments but from listening to them and understanding one’s place within them.
“They found there was more spiritual reward from being part of Country rather than trying to conquer it,” she said.
At the heart of Professor Lee’s perspective is a simple idea — learning to be a “good guest”.
“Being connected to Country is being a good guest everywhere. There are rules — but that’s okay, because when you’re a guest and you follow those rules, Country looks after you as that cherished, precious person.”
Set against Tasmania’s dramatic coastal landscapes — including the powerful swells of Shipstern Bluff — Southern Edge balances striking visuals with a contemplative, slower rhythm.
Professor Lee loves the soundtrack’s “absolute banging tunes,” and the film’s deeper intention.
“Singing Country from the sea creates a different space for slowing down. It allows us to think about our relationship with the places we live in — and the Country we love,” she said.
The filmmaking process also challenged some of Professor Lee’s own expectations. Accustomed to structure and planning, she initially found the lack of a fixed storyboard confronting. Over time she recognised the value in that uncertainty.
“You can’t always write the story and expect it to go how you want it to. You have to have resilience to cope with change and find the beauty in that.”
She said this reflects a key message: that meaning is often found in learning to see — and connect — differently along the journey.
“Our purpose as Indigenous peoples is just to be beautiful — just to be beautiful in Country.”