Maidentrip

Maidentrip is a captivating 2013 American-Dutch documentary film that illuminates the journey of the youngest person to sail around the world alone – Laura Dekker. The film doesn't only document Laura's unprecedented solo trip around the world, but it also offers a raw, intimate insight into the trials, tribulations, and triumphs she encountered during her extraordinary journey. Starring Dick Dekker and Kim Dekker, alongside Laura herself, the film serves as a testament to human spirit and fortitude.

Maidentrip starts by laying down the backstory of Laura Dekker and her extraordinary dream. Born in New Zealand during a seven-year sea voyage by her parents, Laura comes from a lineage of experienced sea sailors. Since early childhood, she had lived on boats and had developed a love affair with the ocean. In 2010, with both courage and ambition, she set out to become the youngest person to sail around the world alone, at just fourteen years of age - a dream considered irresponsible and dangerous by many.

The story takes a dramatic turn as the Dutch government intervenes. Laura's dream causes a global media frenzy and ignites what was to become an intense two-year battle fought in the courts of The Netherlands. Her worldwide adventure gets delayed when she's put under shared custody with the Dutch Council for Child Protection. The legality and morality of such a nautical adventure undertaken by a teenage girl comes under scrutiny.

After a whirlwind of public and legal scrutiny, she finally embarks on her journey in her two-masted sailboat named 'Guppy.' The documentary weaves together footage shot by Laura herself during the epic journey across the globe and the interviews with Laura and her parents, Dick and Kim Dekker. It captures Laura’s spirit and determination as she navigates both literal and metaphorical rough waters to follow her dreams.

Apart from the sailing saga, the heart of this film lies in Laura's coming-of-age story. She matures not only in age but also in gaining a deeper understanding of life, survival, and resilience. With each voyage, she confronts the tremendous solitude of the sea, fuelling her growing independence. With the vast canvas of the sea as her backdrop, she learns about different cultures, connecting with people worldwide and developing a broader worldview, far beyond her years.

The film effectively brings forward the physical side of sailing, the solitude, the beauty of oceanic landscapes, dangerous weather conditions, and more importantly, the ever-present possibility of catastrophic failure. But at the same time, the film humanizes the voyage. It portrays the introspective side of the journey – her meditative solitude, personal transformations, and her unyielding spirit against the endless expanse of the sea.

Throughout the film, viewers will see Laura's dyed-red hair flying back in the wind, her sunburned face lighting up with a smile, and her nonchalant charm which sets a striking balance between her youth and her astounding maturity. After spending 519 days at sea, Laura develops from an ambitious teenager into her own person, strong, mature, and composed.

Maidentrip stands tall as a raw and unsentimental portrait of youthful exuberance and gritty determination. Directed by Jillian Schlesinger in her directorial debut, the film provokes a mixture of awe, fear, and inspiration. It convincingly dispels the skeptic's doubts about the capability of a young teenager and redefines the boundaries of what one can achieve regardless of age.

Maidentrip is not just about a record-breaking voyage around the world; it also explores the value of exploration, the resilience of the human spirit, and what it truly means to be free. The film, in essence, revolves around life itself, emphasizing the importance of following one's dreams, the joy of exploration, adventure, human connection, and emerging victorious amidst all adversities.

Winning the Audience Award at SXSW in the Visions category, Maidentrip is an inspiring travelogue that is as much about the journey as it is about the transformation of the human spirit, retracing Laura’s daring pursuit of her childhood dream. The film leaves the audiences in awe of Laura’s determination and resilience, encouraging them to chase their dreams fearlessly.