What would you do if you were told you had just twelve months to live?
For Australian adventurer Donna-Lou Nixon, that life-changing question became the beginning of an extraordinary new chapter.
Rather than allowing fear to define what came next, Donna-Lou made a conscious decision to embrace life with greater purpose, curiosity and courage. It was a choice that would ultimately inspire MORE—one of the standout Australian films screening as part of the 2026 Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour.
This August, audiences at selected screenings won’t just experience Donna-Lou’s powerful story on the big screen—they’ll also have the opportunity to meet her in person.
Choosing More
When Donna-Lou received a devastating prognosis, she found herself standing at a crossroads.
She could focus on everything she might lose.
Or she could focus on how she wanted to live.
She chose the latter.
Instead of waiting for life to happen, Donna-Lou committed herself to making the most of every opportunity that came her way, guided by a simple philosophy that has become synonymous with her story:
“Why not!”
That question became more than a motto.
It became a way of approaching life.
A reminder that none of us truly know how much time we have, and that perhaps the greatest risk is waiting for the “right” moment to begin.
More Than an Adventure Film
Without giving too much away, MORE is far more than a film about adventure.
It’s a deeply personal story about resilience, perspective and discovering what truly matters when life doesn’t unfold the way you expected.
It’s about finding courage in uncertainty.
Choosing possibility over fear.
And learning that living fully doesn’t always mean doing extraordinary things—it means saying yes to the opportunities in front of you.
Donna-Lou’s honesty, warmth and unwavering optimism make MORE one of those rare films that stays with you long after you’ve left the cinema.
A Perfect Fit for Gutsy Girls
As the Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour celebrates its 10th anniversary, Donna-Lou’s story perfectly captures what the festival has always been about—women finding the courage to step beyond their comfort zones and discover what they’re capable of.
Festival Director Jemima Robinson says Donna-Lou’s willingness to share such a personal chapter of her life makes this year’s tour especially meaningful.
“Donna-Lou’s journey is deeply personal, incredibly honest and ultimately uplifting. Her willingness to share it with audiences is one of the things that makes this year’s tour so special. Her story reminds us that adventure isn’t always about climbing the highest mountain—sometimes it’s about choosing to live fully despite overwhelming circumstances.”
Alongside MORE, this year’s programme features six inspiring films from around the world celebrating women pushing boundaries across climbing, sailing, skiing, skateboarding and exploration.
Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common: the courage to say yes to adventure, whatever that may look like.
Meet Donna-Lou on Tour
One of the most exciting parts of this year’s tour is the opportunity to meet Donna-Lou in person.
She’ll be attending a number of Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour screenings across New South Wales, including:
- Newcastle
- Avoca Beach
- Randwick – Ritz Cinemas
- Cremorne – Hayden Orpheum
- Avalon
- Wollongong
At selected screenings, Donna-Lou will join audiences for a special live Q&A, where she’ll share more about the making of MORE, answer questions from the audience and reflect on the experiences behind the film.
Watching MORE is inspiring.
Hearing directly from Donna-Lou afterwards is something truly special.
Join us this August to celebrate ten years of unforgettable stories, extraordinary women and adventures that remind us all to ask one simple question:
Why not?
Get the last remaining tickets here
All images are from Donna-Lou’s personal files
