From TV talent show to the wilderness and back

BYRON Bay identity Tommy Franklin is the star of a heartwarming documentary screening as part of the Byron Bay International Film Festival.

Local filmmaker Jonatan Lundmark said he has known Franklin, who was a finalist in the 2013 series of Australia’s Got Talent, for 15 years.

“He became quite well-known in Byron just from dancing on the streets expressing himself freely with no inhibitions and doing it in a very stylish wardrobe – he’s always really well-dressed in a fun, colourful way,” he said.

“I’m always interested in people who are expressing themselves and spreading good vibes, so we started using him early on for some film projects we had.

“He was a great character and looked good on camera.”

Lundmark said Franklin’s infectious energy made him quite a celebrity when he went on Australia’s Got Talent.

“The judges loved that he didn’t have a fixed routine – he wasn’t trying to remember steps, he was just in the moment enjoying himself,” he said.

“The whole audience got up and started dancing.

“When someone does something from the heart it’s really inspiring to see a ripple effect.”

Franklin decided to take a break from society in 2023 and go into the wilderness in Tasmania, living off-grid in a cabin with no electricity for seven months.

He began hand-weaving clothes out of blankets he bought in op shops, and since returning to Byron has found a new vocation making one-off custom clothing.

“I wanted to capture the new side of Tommy in the film, coming back from Tasmania with a newfound love of life,” Lundmark said.

The seven-minute documentary was filmed during a five-day road trip through the Northern Rivers and surrounding areas with Lundmark and his twin brother Sebastian, with whom he co-founded Rest Your Eyes Productions in 2008.

“We just capture his view on life basically and how it’s changed by constantly having to reinvent himself,” Lundmark said.

“He’s gone through some dark times, but he knows what it takes to stay happy, and I think that’s important.”

While many people say Byron Bay has lost its soul and creatives are being pushed out by high rents, Lundmark said it’s good to see people like Franklin are still around – as well as people like himself pursuing their passion.

“This region still has a lot to offer the creative community,” he said.

Out of the Wild will screen as part of the BBIFF’s Through the Local Lens session at Brunswick Picture House on October 26.