Norah and Susie document their adventurous road trips across continents. Beneath the laughter and wanderlust lies a story of quiet resilience—two women who defied judgement, embraced love, and chose freedom on their own terms.
Two Travelling Aunties, a short documentary screening as part of this year’s DocEdge programme, is a quietly moving portrait of two women who chose the open road over the confines of societal expectation. At first glance, it’s a charming and light-hearted tale about travel and companionship, full of warm laughter and colourful scenery. But beneath that surface lies a more complex, bittersweet truth—one that lingers long after the credits roll.
The film introduces us to Norah and her partner—two Singaporean women nearing their 60s who have thrown convention to the wind. In a culture where the label “auntie” is both affectionate and laden with expectations of domesticity, their decision to embrace life on their own terms is gently radical. Instead of settling into retirement or fulfilling roles set by tradition, they have embraced Overlanding—a lifestyle centred around long-term travel by campervan, where the journey is as important as the destination.
Their story is filled with joy: spontaneous detours through Morocco, quiet mornings by the coast in Greece, encounters with other travellers over shared meals and campfires. There’s laughter, lightness, and a sense of deep companionship. Through these simple scenes, the film gives us a glimpse into a life shaped by freedom—freedom from rigid routines, family obligations, and the expectations of what middle-aged women "should" be doing.
What makes Two Travelling Aunties stand out, though, is how gently it unveils the layers beneath this joyful surface. The film does not rely on dramatic revelations but allows the emotional depth to emerge gradually. Norah’s background—coming from a large, conservative Muslim family—brings weight to the story. Her choice to leave, as the only unmarried daughter among nine siblings, was not just about seeking excitement. It was a brave decision to prioritise her own well-being over duty, and to live life authentically rather than in quiet sacrifice.
The documentary’s turning point comes with the quiet, heartfelt realisation that Norah and her travel companion are also romantic partners. This revelation recontextualises everything we’ve seen. Their travels are not just about seeing the world—they are about carving out a safe space for their relationship, far from potential judgment or rejection. As a result, what begins as an uplifting tale of wanderlust also becomes a tender exploration of exile.
This shift lends a melancholic tone to the film’s later stages. While their lifestyle appears idyllic, the camera doesn’t shy away from the emotional costs. Four years into their journey, there is no clear path home, no guarantee of acceptance from their communities. It’s a painful reminder of how prejudice, particularly against LGBTQ+ individuals, still shapes lives in very real ways.
Yet even in this complexity, the documentary remains uplifting. The aunties live each day with intention—making new friends, tasting unfamiliar foods, and delighting in cocktails under the stars. There’s a sweetness to their shared life that is impossible to ignore, even as it coexists with sorrow.
Technically, the film keeps things simple. The dialogue is in English, with subtitles included to support comprehension, though at times the coloured text makes reading slightly difficult. The visuals capture the vibrancy of their journey without being overly polished, letting the focus remain on the people rather than the places.
Ultimately, Two Travelling Aunties is a film that celebrates choice, love, and courage. It reminds us that while choosing to live authentically may come with costs, it can also lead to a life filled with beauty, adventure, and connection. It’s a film that feels like a conversation with a friend—one filled with laughter, honesty, and the kind of vulnerability that sticks with you.
It’s sweet. It’s moving. And it’s quietly revolutionary.
Directed by Christine Seow | 22 mins | Singapore, United Kingdom | English | International Premiere – International Short Category
Screening at the Doc Edge documentary festival, in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and online from 25 June.