My name is Beau Eastman, I am 20 years of age and love making films. After finishing Grade 12, I attended The Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE graduating with a Certificate IV in Screen which was at the end of last year.
During this time I was able to pick up three awards for my films including a Best Film award at the PCYC/Bluelight short film Festival for “Prejudice”, Best Director at the Young Filmmakers Festival, Queensland, and Best Film at the national Reelife Short Film Festival for “Our Guru of Surfing”.
My dream and my goal is that one day I will work full-time making surfing and wildlife documentaries. I know that my passion to show the world about our world will help me fulfill my dream.
My Film “Our Guru of Surfing” is about my brother Joel, at 25 years of age who lived with the mystifying disease of Multiple Sclerosis. After being diagnosed at 16, the relentless disease left Joel no longer able to surf his cherished beach breaks, however Joel developed a new and positive attitude to life.
He was able to pass on this wisdom to a group of young surfers, teaching them to “Live how your surf and surf how you Live”. Joel believed that if one was to respect the ocean and others around you, that not only would you enjoy your surfing, but you would also enjoy your life.
I wanted to create a film to help bring about Multiple Sclerosis awareness, showing how Joel’s positive attitude to life was able to overcome major difficulties. Sadly, 12 months after the making of Our Guru of Surfing, Joel passed away peacefully in his sleep. However his amazing philosophy will live on in the hearts of many, whether it is while surfing, or just during every-day life.
For information on coping with illness or grief check out our sister site www.reachout.com.au
