Whirlybird

Whirlybird is a gripping documentary film released in 2020, which serves as a thrilling exploration of a high-stakes world and a profound character study. Directed by Matt Yoka, and featuring Marika Gerrard, Zoey Tur (formerly known as Bob Tur), and their daughter Katy Tur, Whirlybird charts the journey of the Tur family, who revolutionized live news reporting with their helicopter journalism.

The film sheds light on the lives and work of Zoey Tur and her then-wife Marika Gerrard, who were one of the pioneers in aerial news coverage in Los Angeles during the 1980s and 1990s. Flying in their helicopter, which they affectionately nicknamed "The Whirlybird", Tur and Gerrard captured some of the iconic American moments from an overhead view, serving up ground-breaking reportage and breathtaking shots from high above the city. From high-speed police chases and raging wildfires to the Los Angeles riots and the infamous O.J. Simpson Bronco chase, Tur and Gerrard found a way to be at the center of climactic events, reinventing the way news was reported and consumed.

However, Whirlybird is not just about sensational journalism; it delves deep into the personal lives of Tur and Gerrard. The film unpacks the impact of relentless ambition, internal and societal pressures, and the breakneck pace of breaking news reporting on their personal lives and relationships. As they balance their responsibilities as parents and their unceasing pursuit of capturing Los Angeles’ history from their helicopter cockpit, the couple's relationship is put to the test.

Their daughter, Katy Tur, plays a critical role in the film, chronicling her childhood memories and experiences of growing up in a family where newsgathering was not just a profession, but a consuming passion. Katy, who would become NBC News correspondent later, provides keen insights into the Turs' family dynamics, adding a layer of nuanced commentary to the narrative.

Moreover, Whirlybird delves into the life-changing journey of Zoey Tur, who underwent gender transition in 2014. The film sensitively handles this aspect of Zoey's life, painting a broad picture of her transformation and the challenges she faced. It establishes a parallel between the high-octane professional life of Tur and her personal growth, portraying Zoey not just as a journalist, but as a person.

The film utilises an extensive trove of Tur and Gerrard's original footage, interweaving it with current day interviews, home videos, and news broadcasts. As such, Whirlybird's heart lies within its rich, archival footage which acts as a testament to the momentous historical events it captured, and to the vibrant, often dangerous, world of aerial newsgathering pioneered by Tur and Gerrard.

Whirlybird explores the consequences of ambition, the truths about changing gender and the high costs of the pursuit for truth. Throughout its running time, it places big historical events and intimate personal realities side by side, creating an engrossing and immersive viewing experience that illuminates the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of professional goals.

The film vividly presents a portrait of a woman whose vision and determination transformed the world of journalism, but at the same time, explores the human side of such incessant pursuit of ambition. Each frame of the film is a deep dive into the whirlwind life of the Turs, as they grapple with their professional demands, personal challenges, and changing societal landscapes.

Whirlybird is a fascinating journey, filled with dramatic news footage, intimate family footage, and insightful interviews. It is an intriguing study of a family, the evolution of the news industry, and above all, a tale of personal transformation against the backdrop of profound societal changes. Whirlybird is a showcase of the news as you’ve never seen it – up close, personal and from the skies. It is a story that sheds light on the personal costs of capturing the history from the sky. With Whirlybird, director Matt Yoka succeeds in creating a film that is just as turbulent and action-filled as the chopper flights that the Turs undertook.