Published on Thursday, 26 September 2024 at 4:50:00 PM
Three years since its premiere, Radheya Jegatheva’s film Pacing the Pool continues to be recognised on the global stage.
The documentary film about the life of long-time Beatty Park Leisure Centre swimmer Richard Pace and his journey in overcoming a lifelong illness has received more 40 awards and screened at hundreds of festivals.
It was brought to life thanks to funding through the City of Vincent Film Project in 2021 and made its debut during the Revelation International Film Festival at Luna Leederville.
“Part of what makes this film so special to me is that I got to befriend and spend time with Richard as part of the process (such as) swimming with him in the pool in the early morning to help get a sense of what his daily routine is like,” said the film’s director, Radheya Jegatheva.
“It’s an interesting process to read about someone in a book, then meet that person and get to know them in real life, and then to make a film about them.
“I think one of the best memories was the pool shoot at night, as we had the whole swimming pool to ourselves, and made for some special shots while reflecting what swimming does for Richard, with focus and tranquillity.”
Since its premiere at Luna Cinemas in 2021, Pacing the Pool has achieved 178 official selections in film festivals across 39 countries, 41 awards and one Academy Award qualifying official selection.
One of its key awards included the Best Documentary title at the BFI Future Film Festival, supported by Netflix.
This week, the film has reached a new high as the sole Australian representative at the World Health Organisation’s Health For All Film Festival in the Netherlands.
Richard Pace
“We’re thrilled that this local story is connecting with people on a global scale,” said Jegatheva.
“We’re very appreciative to have had our work recognised like this by such a huge agency with this particular focus.
“It’s important to recognise that it wouldn’t have been as successful without our amazing subject Richard Pace, his family, and our incredible crew that I had the pleasure of working with.”
With eight years’ experience under his belt, Jegatheva is motivated to continue to turn his ideas and stories into impactful, live action and feature films in years to come.
He encouraged filmmakers to apply for funding through the City of Vincent Film Project.
Richard Pace with Gareth Weston
“It was really great to have their support and oversight as we made this documentary,” he said.
“This being my first project out of university, it was a great way for us to be able to step into the factual space with a short film that had its constraints, like the fairly quick turnaround.”
In partnership with Revelation Perth International Film Festival, the City of Vincent Film Project provides early-career filmmakers with the opportunity, support and funding to create a short, non-fiction work.
The project aims showcase local stories, characters and urban legends in Vincent.
The winners’ films are screened at Luna Leederville as part of the festival each year.
Applications for the 2025 City of Vincent Film Project will open on 30 September and close on 11 November. Find out more here.
Watch the film below.
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