Trailer for ‘Pacing the Pool’. Closed captions are available.
A documentary revolving around Perth local Richard Pace, and how he used swimming to combat a debilitating bone disease.
This film provides a tiny glimpse into the extraordinary life of Richard Pace, and what lies under the surface. To Richard, water is not only the source of life, but also the source of physical and mental healing.
Pacing the Pool has garnered 158 official selections, 37 Awards and 1 Academy-Award qualifying official selection in film festivals around the world, spanning 38 countries.
This film was produced and developed with the assistance of City of Vincent and Revelation Perth International Film festival.
Director’s Statement
We all know water is the source of all life. But for Richard Pace it's more than just a source of sustenance - being in the water is an immense source of healing and provides the framework for a loving community. Being able to capture that essence was really heart-warming to see, and it made the filmmaking process a truly special experience. I swam with Richard in the pool in the morning, visited his factory where he runs his food business and had many long conversations to get to know him and what he wanted to share with the world. It was incredibly important to me that he was portrayed how he wanted to be portrayed, and that he was happy with the way his story was shared on screen.
As such, I knew that the film had to be told from Richard’s point of view, and we always needed to hear his voice (literally), his personality, and his perspective throughout. His direct quotes narrate the film with his impressions and experiences. From his memories as a child to simply how he feels in the water. We wanted Richard to speak for himself, accompanied by smaller quotes and snippets of those closest to him. At the end of the day, Richard is just another bloke that’s part of the community, which I wanted to underline with his interactions with his ‘pool family’.
Both of us thought it was important to show how he used swimming and aquatherapy to help the effects of Polyostotic Fibrous Displaysia, as well as the importance of having a supportive community and social group. It’s important to note that his documentary only reveals a small slice of Richard's astounding life (please read his book for more, ‘Keeping Pace’). I wanted to literally and figuratively depict what goes on under the surface - both in his body and mind. Loneliness, fear, friendship, hope, love. Years of battling a debilitating bone disease has not worn him down. He's a strong man and a great friend.
Pacing the Pool was shortlisted by the World Health Organisation, for the Special Prize on Rehabilitation in the Health for All Film Festival.
“Films are a powerful way to raise awareness, improve understanding and encourage action so that this festival aims to contribute to health promotion and education about health.” - W.H.O.
CREDITS
This film would not have been possible without our amazing cast, crew and supporters:
Produced and developed with the assistance of City of Vincent and Revelation Perth International Film Festival
Appearing in the film:
Richard Pace
Val Pace, Ryan Pace, Lyn Schwan, Andy Donaldson, and Jaime Bowler
Pool Family:
Jean Maxwell, Mary Jackovich, Jo-Anne Johnson, David Bently, Barbara Bates, Sharron Newman, George Galdies, Agnes Chin, Foroough Haji Jaafar, Ros Cumming, Bhoh Hai Trang, Silvana Ottolini, Joy Dorrington, Jay Jay Jegathesan
Crew
Director: Radheya Jegatheva
Producer: Jay Jay Jegathesan
Executive Producer: Ashleigh Nicolau
Writers: Radheya Jegatheva & Jay Jay Jegathesan
Director of Photography: Justice Goodrick
Editor: Cal McLean
Assistant Director: Emma Thomason
Co-Producer: Holly Miller
Assistant Camera: Bayley Simonds, Gareth Weston
Gaffer: Matt O'Sullivan, Gareth Weston
Gaffer's Assistant: Max Mules, Luke Hackett, Markus Deakin
Sound Recordist: Zac Holme
Music: Scott Buckley
Animation; Radheya Jegatheva
Production Assistant: Mirae Jang
Catering: Mirae Jang
GoPro Operator: Jay Jay Jegathesan
BTS Photographer: Jenina David, Renee Wood-Gush, Jay Jay Jegathesan
Assistant to Producer (Archival Material): Silas O'Reilly
Archival content supplied by
Richard Pace, Richard Evans (1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games), and the City of Vincent Library, Susanna Iuliano (Beatty Park)
Special Thanks to:
Dale Morrisey, Peter Dunn, Simone Flavelle, Vincent Piong, Louis Tan, Eugene Wong, Sarah Jihyeon Hwang, Rahul Jegatheva and Robert Marshall
Austar, Unistar, My Place, Chop Chop BBQ (Perth, Myaree, Curtin Uni), Jom Delish and Jom Kopitiam for their support
Thanks to the following crowdfunding supporters:
Sai Danchuk, Abby Kendell, Robert Alexander, Mike Bando, Mike Anthony, Dylan Chua-Limargana, Mark Schwass, Suzanne Worner, David McDonnell, Jake Andrews, Anna Lee, Mae Walker, Emma Lathbury, and Rachel Fitzgerald
Behind the Scenes Photos
Taken by the wonderful Jenina David
