![Characters with a back story](https://cdn.magzter.com/1472106876/1711404808/articles/0Cs_nqDPb1711435738483/CHARACTERS-WITH-A-BACK-STORY.jpg)
SPINAL DESTINATION
Screening: Sky Open, from Wednesday, March 27, 8.30pm
There is a good deal of real life in Spinal Destination. The story of its lead character, the go-getting journalist Tessa, has much in common with the story of its writer, accomplished documentarian and film director Paula Whetu Jones.
Both have media careers, both were deprived of the ability to walk by a rare autoimmune condition, both felt their legs go while taking a bath and both struggled to adjust to their new lives. Most of all, both swore they would walk again, no matter what.
"It is quite autobiographical," Whetu Jones confirms. "The main thing about the story is the emotional rollercoaster. It's about trying to keep your normal in a situation that's not normal.
"And yeah, it's been 14 years and I still think I'm going to walk."
Although she drew on her own time in the Burwood Spinal Unit for the story, the tone came from cinema - is it dark comedy, drama, what?
This story is from the March 30 - April 5, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 30 - April 5, 2024 edition of New Zealand Listener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Ewes know it](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/-hEIPnZu21719916123303/EWES-KNOW-IT.jpg)
Ewes know it
'It has been my life's work,\" I announced grandly and quite possibly pompously the other day to Greg, no other audience being available, \"to advocate for the advancement of sheep.\" He pointed out that this was patently untrue. If it was true, he said annoyingly, although quite possibly reasonably, I'd have started my life's work a bit earlier, given that I had taken up this selfless work only seven years ago, the length of time we have been at Lush Places.
![A moral panic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/DtpZYTk5R1719915986534/A-MORAL-PANIC.jpg)
A moral panic
America's top doctor wants smoking-style warning labels for social media platforms.
![Give and take](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/nDnf2HtPH1719915864246/GIVE-AND-TAKE.jpg)
Give and take
We're likely to reciprocate if someone's nice to us unexpectedly.
![Culture club](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/I7xXPlCeX1719915513405/CULTURE-CLUB.jpg)
Culture club
Whether you make yoghurt at home with your own starter or buy a commercial brand, the health benefits remain roughly the same.
![Now for the news](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/JdsvfRGI-1719915342669/NOW-FOR-THE-NEWS.jpg)
Now for the news
How will Stuff's take on broadcast news match up to its polished predecessor?
![Time to rewind](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/7E_XSMUMn1719915178146/TIME-TO-REWIND.jpg)
Time to rewind
A leaner NZ International Film Festival programme still offers promising local debuts and some art cinema classics.
![Come dancing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/DI5ZgJ6B-1719914977468/COME-DANCING.jpg)
Come dancing
Albums from Anna Coddington and Peggy Gou are smart and sassy. Bonny Light Horseman leans on heartache.
![Calling on the muse](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/QuXqJroNy1719914762274/CALLING-ON-THE-MUSE.jpg)
Calling on the muse
Kiwi journalist Garth Cartwright recalls his audience with the late Françoise Hardy in Paris.
![Artist of high standing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/_R34EwYxP1719914444319/ARTIST-OF-HIGH-STANDING.jpg)
Artist of high standing
Waiheke Island sculptor Anton Forde talks about creating the largest contemporary pou installation of his career.
!['You were salvation'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/0oWNU7jfL1719914205198/YOU-WERE-SALVATION.jpg)
'You were salvation'
A repurposed supply vessel provides a lifeline to migrants who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in a desperate bid for a new life.