An Abbreviated Life: Sarah's Story Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Sarah is a charismatic, confident 18 year old, about to leave school, head to uni and go flatting. What she doesn't tell many people is that on top of coping with the travails of teenagehood, she also has cystic fibrosis and a life expectancy of 32. A serious lung infection could kill her within days. When her army parents shift to Australia, she is left alone in a new town, responsible for the first time for her own physiotherapy and relentless medication. The spirit-affirming DOCNZ finalist was directed by Anna Cottrell and Jan Jeans, and screened on TV One.

There’s a constant level of worry and a long-term grief.

– Andrea Hitchings (Sarah’s mother)

Key Cast & Crew

Mairi Gunn

Camera

Jan Jeans

Co-Director, Camera

Anna Cottrell

Co-Director, Producer

Ken Saville

Sound Recordist

Owen Ferrier-Kerr

Editor

Scott George

Sound