Training isn’t something we do, it’s who we are.
Triathletes are a different breed of person; obsessed with performance and routine, and willing to push themselves to their limits in ways few can imagine. But what binds them together more than anything else… is motivation.
To Feel Alive follows the inner world of a triathlete: the early alarms, the cold water, the quiet miles before sunrise. It captures the constant juggle of full-time jobs and family commitments, precious hours squeezed between responsibilities, and the relentless pursuit to go faster, further – and to again.
Lightbox Film Co. crafted the film as a character-driven portrait around a powerful spoken-word piece that was written from the perspective of a triathlete. This brings the viewer into the rhythm of the triathlete’s world, connecting everyday moments and sacrifices with their deeper motivations. Using a ticking clock as a motif adds a sense of pace and urgency, underlining the extraordinary way triathletes manage to fit training in and around everyday lives.
Shot entirely in black and white, with a raw, intimate focus on the triathletes, the story explores what it truly takes to dedicate yourself to a sport that demands everything, resulting in a film that feels personal, inspiring, and far beyond ordinary.
The final piece resonated with athletes and non-athletes alike, praised for its authenticity, tone and style, and emotional depth. Its premiere at the Cornwall Film Festival further elevated the film’s reach and recognition, and earned it a nomination in the official selection.
Featuring
James Grogan
Clare Gwennap
Directed & Filmed by James Stuart
Written by Alex M J Smith
Edit & Post by Marcus Cook
Narrated by Ben Ayres
Score by Matthew Collington
Giant Bicycles Helston
Can Brea Leisure Centre
IntoTri
Absolute Speed
