For those who may find themselves in need of a pit stop while flying over the barren Nullarbor Plain in southwestern Australia, there is no need to panic. You may just have the chance to meet Kate, Greg, and their loyal dog Holly.
This adventurous duo resides in Forrest, a former railway town that boasts an emergency airport, making it a crucial refueling point for aircraft in need of a mid-flight fill-up. Surrounded by vast stretches of desert, Kate and Greg oversee the remote property and welcome the occasional visitor, always prepared to offer a place to stay for the night.
Filmmaker Yannick Jamey had the unique opportunity to capture the daily lives of Kate and Greg in his documentary “The Big Wait.” Set against the backdrop of the Australian outback and accompanied by the soulful tune of “Heaven and Paradise” by Don Julian and The Meadowlarks, the film provides a poetic and humor-filled glimpse into their routine.
From tending to the six cottages on the property to maintaining the airstrip by mowing the lawns and spraying herbicides to keep weeds at bay, Kate and Greg take pride in their work. As Greg mentions in the film, even on days without outside visitors, they ensure that everything is in order, ready to welcome guests with a warm smile and a sense of anticipation.
Jamey expertly weaves together sweeping aerial shots of the vast landscape with intimate close-ups, highlighting the stark contrast between the isolation of the desert and the personal stories of its inhabitants. “The Big Wait” offers a surreal and at times whimsical portrait of a secluded paradise, tailored for two but always open to the next arrival.
Recently showcased on the festival circuit, “The Big Wait” is just one of Jamey’s many creative projects. As he continues to work on both short and feature-length films, you can stay updated on his latest endeavors by following him on Vimeo.
With stunning visuals and a heartfelt narrative, “The Big Wait” captures the essence of life in a remote corner of the world, where simplicity and hospitality reign supreme. Kate, Greg, and Holly welcome all travelers with open arms, offering a glimpse into a unique and captivating way of life in the heart of the Australian outback.
