The inspiring documentary “Beyond Triathlon” featuring Northeast Florida resident Dottie Dorion has received top honors with the People’s Choice Award at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. This film will be shown next during the St. Augustine Film Festival at 4 p.m. Jan. 12 at Flagler College’s Gamache Koger Theatre.
Dorion’s story resonated with audiences during a world premiere week of the film, which showcases trailblazing triathletes such as Celeste Callahan who broke barriers in a male-dominated sport. Narrated by Sika Henry, the first black female professional triathlete, their combined stories showcase perseverance, community and the transformative power of sports.
“‘Beyond Triathlon’ is a wonderful history of the development of Master’s Women’s Sports as experienced firsthand by Celeste Callahan and me,” said Dorion. “The theme and driving force was not to get accolades for our own sports achievements but to emphasize what it enabled us to do for others.”
The film was produced by the award-winning production company Malkus Group. Directors Brian Bayrel and Chuck Malkus have captured how the journeys of Dorion, Callahan and Henry resulted in early efforts that were firsts in sports.
The filmmakers share how their courageous efforts have led to additional advancements we see today.
“Our team of storytellers has been able to provide several unique perspectives,” explains Malkus. “Pioneering women have helped make sports become something today which didn’t exist a couple of decades ago. During the opening week premiere, audiences were spellbound, experienced joy and held back tears.”
The film also includes renowned athletes such as Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, three-time Olympic gold medalist Nancy Hogshead, Sarah Springman and Jane E. Hunt.
Advanced ticket purchase is recommended and may be found at staugfilmfest.com.
