JUST over a year ago, as she welcomed her first child into the world, Sarah Mawbey made the decision to leave the United States and make Port Macquarie her home.
With her parents retired in the area and her sister and her family also calling the town home, Sarah chose the community as the perfect place to raise her daughter – safe, beautiful, and quiet, yet close-knit and supportive.
It was this very community that Sarah ended up needing the most when she lost everything after her home went underwater in the floods.
One community member extended a warm and welcome hand that has turned into something very special.
“Andy Liebeck of Andy Pandy Hair Candy lost everything in a house fire the year before the floods,” Sarah told News Of The Area.
“His offer of empathy and support turned into a friendship, and now, an exciting collaboration.”
That collaboration is her indie filmmaking project, “The Ocean’s Curse”; a feature film being created under TrashCat Studios.
“I invited Andy to come on board as Hair and Makeup Artist for the film, as well as an Associate Producer to help spread the word.
“Our vision is to bring fresh storytelling and opportunities for collaboration to the Mid North Coast, highlighting both local and international connections.”
Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker and owner of DCP Australia Johan Earl, and produced by Sarah and Yolandi Franken, The Ocean’s Curse is a storm-tossed fantasy epic.
With Tom Gleeson as Director of Photography, the film weaves a gripping tale of family, survival, and sacrifice, blending adrenaline-fueled action with haunting visuals and emotional depth.
Australian screen legend Tony Bonner AM (Skippy, The Man from Snowy River, ANZACs) has joined the cast as Captain David Jones.
The production follows the global success of the team’s “Forbidden Ground”, which was distributed by Lionsgate and available on major streaming platforms internationally.
“The Ocean’s Curse is our chance to push indie filmmaking to new heights,” said Johan Earl.
“We’re making this film for our kids and for every dreamer out there to prove that with heart and hustle, anything is possible,” added Sarah.
Sarah has many impressive production credits to her name including Maestro (Bradley Cooper), White Noise (Noah Baumbach), and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
She also starred as the lead actress in Forbidden Ground.
To help bring The Ocean’s Curse to life, Sarah and the team have launched a Kickstarter campaign.
With no experience required, contributors have a chance to act in the film, walk the star-studded premiere red carpet, experience the filmmaking process with VIP on-set access, and receive some exclusive rewards including signed merchandise, special thanks credits, and more.
“This is a collaborative experience and we want everyone to join us.”
Sarah shared that Port Macquarie has become a vital part of the story behind the making of The Ocean’s Curse.
It has also birthed another creative partnership.
“Through mutual friends, I met Sarah ‘Cece’ Romeiko, who has since taken on the role of Social Media Manager for the project.
“We often work side by side from home, crafting campaigns over bougie lattes and building momentum for the film.”
To support Sarah and the team’s dream to bring The Ocean’s Curse to audiences in its full, stormy glory, visit www.oceanscursemovie.com.
By Rikki WALLER
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