Winter at Westbeth at the National Film and Sound Archive

Elderly artists create, question and challenge without limits.

2016 | DCP | USA/AUS | D: Rohan Spong

Closed Captions and Audio Description available

Filmed inside New York’s historic Westbeth Artists Housing the film follows the lives of three retired artists: Edith Stephen, former dancer and documentarian; Lisa Gilbert, cancer-surviving poet; and Dudley Williams, a dancer preparing for a stage comeback, as they reflect on their lives and legacy.

Director Rohan Spong explores creativity, memory and endurance through conversations and reflective moments showing how artistic identity persists despite physical decline and cultural invisibility. Winter at Westbeth offers an intimate look at creating art across a lifetime, valuing process and community over recognition.

‘A tender and respectful portrait of artists still negotiating meaning at the edges of visibility.’
– Guy Lodge, Variety

The NFSA offers closed captioning and audio description services through Dolby Accessibility Solution receivers. A total of 15 receivers are available for selected screenings. To book your receiver, email tickets@nfsa.gov.au with your name, contact details, and the screening you would like the receiver for. Unreserved receivers will be available from reception before the screening. Receivers are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.