Taryn Brumfitt has just returned from Germany, where her documentary Embrace took out the top spot in cinemas ahead of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
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It’s a world away from Albury, where the Body Image Movement founder will be meeting Border supporters.
The Hume Bank is hosting the Adelaide mum-of-three for a screening of her documentary on Thursday, with all proceeds going to Women’s Centre for Health and Wellbeing Albury Wodonga.
“I know there’s a lot of people in Albury who follow the Body Image Movement and I’m really excited to meet everybody,” she said.
“The message of Embrace is going far and wide across the world – it was Australia’s most successful documentary in 2016.
“The number one comment I get is, ‘This film needs to be in schools’.”
Ms Brumfitt is working on it – she has been at the centre of developing a 50-page education study guide on positive body image.
“Our focus is getting that guide into all schools across Australia,” she said.
“The statistics are showing how many young people are turning to eating disorders – it’s a crime.
“Getting the messages into schools is a big focus, but it’s also about speaking to parents about the role they play.”
It was thinking about being a role model for her children that lead to Ms Brumfitt’s story going viral on social media in 2013.
She reflected on photos – before, as a body-builder, and after, when she made peace with her body image, and had ceased the strict training regime.
“We are the kings and queens in the eyes of our children,” she said.
“It’s opening up the conversation – no matter what age you are, it’s giving people an alternative to hating their bodies.”
The Body Image Movement message fits perfectly with the beneficiary of Thursday’s event – money raised will go towards the ‘lioness program’, designed to assist women throughout their pregnancy journey.
Hume Bank chief executive David Marshall said he was excited to help raise awareness of Ms Brumfitt’s cause.
“This year’s focus on women’s health forms part of our ongoing efforts in the community around mental health and well-being,” he said.
To buy tickets to Thursday’s screening, go to humebank.com.au, or visit one of the bank branches.
