Young actress dies after starring in award-winning film as tributes pour in

09 February 2023 , 10:59

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Tributes have poured in to the actress

An Australian actress, who starred in a 2021 award-winning short film, has died suddenly.

Sariah Saibu, who had a lead role in coming-of-age film Beautiful They, died on January 30.

The death of Sariah, who also worked as a model, was confirmed by her heartbroken family.

Sariah's aunt Cassandra Colvin wrote a tribute to the actress, which read: "This morning we lost our darling Sariah.

"I am struggling to find the words to express the grief that I and her family are feeling at this time.

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"RIP beautiful - all our love always."

Meanwhile, a fundraising page set up for Sariah's funeral, described the actress as "the Queen, the Karaoke King, the Star, and the Icon".

Western Australian actress Sariah Saibu has died

The fundraiser is helping to cover the cost of two memorials for the actress to celebrate her life.

It added: "The Princess of not only Perth, but Darwin. The protaganist of our lives and gem of our hearts.

"Sariah made everlasting impressions on her community, which has been felt and greatly appreciated by her family and closest friends."

Meanwhile, friends and loved ones shared memories in the comments.

Sariah Saibu starred in award-winning film Beautiful They

Sharing their condolences, one wrote: "Lots of love to Sariah’s nearest and dearest. A hilarious, sparkly, one of a kind little demon. We’ll all miss her so much xxx".

Another added: "I only met Sariah once in Darwin. Her kindness and bubbly nature had stuck with me ever since. A tragic loss, my condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace."

Sairah played Violet in the short movie

Sariah starred in coming-of-age movie Beautiful They, which saw her play Violet alongside Australian actor Morgan Davies, who played Blue.

The movie was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City as well as the Melbourne International Film Festival.

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Beautiful They is described as an "uplifting queer surf-romance about the nuance of gender and the refuge found in being truly seen", according to IMDB.

In 2022, the movie was recognised as Queer Screen Mardi Gras's 2022 winner for Best Film and City Of Melbourne's Best Australian Short Film.

In the same year, the film's director Cloudy Rhodes won Best Director at the Australian Directors Guild.

Amy Denman