Beyond the Podium
October 25, 2024 2:00 PM
A groundbreaking documentary highlighting the triumphs and tribulations of some of Canada’s most-inspiring and decorated women winter athletes, through the lens of a women-identifying and non-binary filmmaking team – tackling unconventional topics like postpartum depression, divorce, gender-based inequities, racism, safe sport, body image, and mental health challenges.
Brenda Whitehall is an award-winning, independent filmmaker based in Vancouver, Canada.Her production company Whitehall Entertainment Incorporated has spearheaded several projects including short films, animations, music videos and documentaries.BEYOND THE PODIUM: CELEBRATING CANADIAN WOMEN CHAMPIONS has been a 4.5-year labour of love with many challenges along the way, including the global pandemic, undergoing cancer treatments, and the unexpected death of my beloved mother. Having experienced the excitement of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, I wanted to commemorate the 10-year anniversary with a “where are they now?” web series, focusing on Canada’s women athletes who dominated those Olympic and Paralympic Games. We interviewed 15 athletes in 20 locations in three Canadian provinces, creating a casual, conversational atmosphere, and showcasing the visual beauty across the country through images by Canadian photographers. We also hired local filmmakers in the provinces where we filmed. I’m exceptionally grateful to the athletes for their candour and bravery.