The Left Write Hook documentary is coming to the Sunshine Coast - don’t miss this powerful multi-award-winning film!

This compelling documentary follows eight female and gender diverse survivors of childhood sexual abuse as they embark on a groundbreaking trauma recovery program. Combining the strength of boxing with the vulnerability of creative writing, the program empowers survivors to release trauma, reclaim their bodies and reimagine their futures.

Through powerful participatory filmmaking, an amazing journey of self-discovery, resilience, recovery, transformation and friendship is captured, as they begin to take back their agency and power.

Tickets are limited - book now to ensure your spot!

★★★★☆ - Screenhub

"Heartbreakingly sad yet ultimately creatively triumphant." - Margaret Pomeranz

"A moving portrait of what it looks like to live with, and work through, trauma." - The Guardian Australia

"A fearless film that offers a ladder up from the darkness that shame can bring, it’s a one-two punch of creativity and power." - 2025 AIDC Awards Jury

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The post-screening Q&A will feature:

Associate Professor Donna Lyon (She/Her) - a Film and TV academic at the University of Melbourne. She is one of the Producers of the Left Write Hook film, founder/CEO of the Left Write Hook charity, creator of the Left Write Hook program and editor of a book and anthology of survivor stories.

Dr Shannon Owen (She/Her) - the Director and a Producer of the Left Write Hook film. She is a documentary filmmaker and researcher whose work explores the change-making potential of documentary storytelling. Working closely with participants, her films reveal the human impact of broader socio-political issues.

Mish Walter (She/They) - a lived experience boxing coach/facilitator who will lead the Sunshine Coast Left Write Hook program from Feb 2026. She is a writer and academic, researching complex-trauma and the power of storytelling for healing, focused on rewriting deficit victim-survivors narratives and reframing public perceptions of mental illness and trauma.

Dove (She/Her) - Left Write Hook film and program participant and survivor of satanic ritual abuse. Dove has spent years working through repressed memories and learning to live with her abuse and its impacts. She is passionate about helping other survivors heal and be heard. Dove is also passionate about the need for trauma-informed systems change in the law-enforcement and justice sectors.

Plus Lisa McLean, Executive Director of Laurel Place, Sexual Assault Service.

2026 Sunshine Coast Left Write Hook Program:
Left Write Hook will be running a program for victim/survivors based in the Sunshine Coast and surrounding districts in early 2026 (with the generous support of SKJ Family Foundation). Places in the program are limited. If you, or someone you know, may be interested in taking part, we encourage you to attend the film screening to find out more.

Please be advised that the documentary and panel discussion will involve discussion of lived/living experience of child sexual abuse, gendered violence and mental distress. Sexual Assault counsellors from Laurel Place will be available at the event for brief emotional support and debriefing.

Please note seating is not allocated for this screening. All tickets are general admission. Please arrive early to secure your preferred seat.

This screening is presented with the generous support of the JUNE CANAVAN FOUNDATION & SKJ FAMILY FOUNDATION.

About the Left Write Hook charity
Following the success of the Left Write Hook film, program founder A/Prof Donna Lyon created a charity of the same name, which has been delivering the groundbreaking trauma recovery program, featured in the documentary, to victim/survivors since 2022. To date the Left Write Hook charity has run 20+ programs, supported 120+ victim/survivors, and is currently working with the University of Melbourne on a multi-year research trial to measure the effectiveness of the program.

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