Award-winning director Lisa Burd (Let’s Talk About Sex) returns with her new film, The Pinkies are Back; a documentary about a group of inspiring and hilarious women on their journey to rebuild their dragon boating team and go for gold one last time – the only catch being that some of them have never even held a paddle before!
What got you interested in telling this story?
There’s something about dragon boating that gets in your blood, a competitive spirit you never knew you had overcomes you. There’s nothing like seeing people go further than they think they can. The film shows determination on another level but the women crack you up at the same time. They are the most driven bunch of women I have ever met in my life. But perhaps they are misunderstood and that is what intrigued me!
When I realised they were close to folding after 11 years and they’d decided to give it one more season to go for gold, I said, “Okay we’ve got a plan! Let’s film this mission!” We all agreed to jump on board together and film the unknown. They all put their hands in and said “Kia kaha! Pink Dragons!”
What do you like most about dragon boating?
There is something about being on the water, something that calms you and invigorates you all at the same time. I could have had a tough day and then I get to training and it’s like I’ve hit the reset button. When you are in a race that is two minutes long you forget absolutely everything. It’s just you, your paddle, and 21 other people determined to get across that line first. Life stops, nothing else matters in that moment.
What is a special memory you have of working on this film?
The Milford Beach race was an amazing experience. I had big fears seeing the Pinkies paddling out into the open ocean against all the elements, nearly capsizing. At that point they had to dig deep and trust as a team and that paid off. And capturing that moment on film was one of the most exhilarating moments of my career.
I love the resilience and spirit of these women – they are all shapes, backgrounds and ages who have come together as one power to compete.
What is your biggest take away from making this film?
I love the resilience and spirit of these women — they are all shapes, backgrounds and ages who have come together as one power to compete. This gives me hope and inspiration about women’s ability to win on many levels and I feel it’s going to inspire every person who watches it. People should never doubt how much they can achieve.
You’ve been working in the film industry for two decades and received critical praise for your documentaries; was this always the direction of storytelling you wanted to go in?
Yes, I feel that I have a natural ability to gain rapport quickly. It’s a privilege to share people’s stories for them. I see myself as unobtrusive, but at the same time focussed, about getting what is needed to tell the story authentically.
What helped you to develop that ability to gain rapport, and what difference do you think it brings to the final film?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been overly curious and always asked questions. Over time I’ve learnt that having patience and letting people unravel their stories in their own way gets you to the heart of their story and it can be quite therapeutic. It’s paramount to immerse myself in the world that they are in so that they forget that the camera is there and be as much of themselves as they can be. It’s not about interviewing, it’s about having a conversation, and I think this style brings sincerity to the film.
What are some stories you would like to tell through documentary in the future?
There are so many stories out there. I am drawn to the story of the underdog, stories that show conviction and courage. I’m curious about following the Pink Dragons through to the international competition in 2022. I’m also researching an idea about following a family in NZ Speedway.
How has being a documentary filmmaker impacted your understanding of the world around you?
I see a story in everything. No matter how small the moment, a story lies within. I often hear myself say, “We should make a documentary about that!”. I love the ordinary things in life and being a filmmaker gives me the opportunity to make those things extraordinary because they deserve to be.
