If you haven’t already heard of Sheila Natusch, prepare to be inspired. The story of this writer, illustrator, natural historian and outdoors adventurer is a beautiful journey through a unique life, made with love by her cousin and long-time Kiwi filmmaker, Hugh Macdonald (“This is New Zealand”).
Featuring unique historic footage of the lower South Island in the 1930s and 40s, NO ORDINARY SHEILA offers a fascinating glimpse into Sheila's life, including her childhood on rugged Stewart Island and her education at Otago University, where she became friends with Janet Frame. From there she moved to Wellington for work at the National Library and Correspondence School, and finally found her true vocation as a professional writer and illustrator with her groundbreaking history and natural history books, including “Animals of New Zealand”.
Sheila's unquenchable spirit, feisty wit and never-give-up attitude are by turns funny, touching and inspiring. NO ORDINARY SHEILA is a real New Zealand story with universal appeal.