A new documentary about facing disability and trauma and chasing Paralympic dreams will hit cinemas next month.
Changing Track will premiere across the country throughout November, with special screenings on December 3 for International Day of People Living with a Disability.
“Changing Track is not about politics, controversy or technical sport details and results,” said director, writer and producer Tristan Kenyon.
“It is a non-fiction drama.”
What is Changing Track about?
In a velodrome on the other side of the world, three Australian cyclists are about to chase a Paralympic dream that they could never have anticipated.
At age 27, Emily Petricola was in the grips of depression after a diagnosis of MS; teenager Korey Boddington lay in a coma after a motocross accident; and Kane Perris, born with Albinism, was suffering from the bitter effects of schoolyard bullying.
Later, forced to rise above their challenging situations, the trio discovers a powerful new ability in cycling, and a community that encourages them to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can’t. Now, with the Paralympics in reach, Emily faces a cruel and progressive disease that threatens her future, Kane senses familiar anxieties creeping in through the pressures of tandem cycling, and Korey trusts a motto that has guided him since the trauma of his youth.
The film asks: what does it take for Paralympic dreams to come true?
But director Kenyon said Changing Track is a film that everyone can relate to.
“Many of us experience periods of depression, anxiety or darkness. Some of us will or have suffered an unexpected event that has significantly changed our life. Some of us might simply be stuck in a rut or feeling lost or directionless. Emily, Korey and Kane show us that anyone has the power to change track, find the right people and focus on what they love no matter what that may be or what life has yet to throw their way.”
Star and Para-athlete Korey Boddington agreed.
“If this story lights even the smallest fire in someone to fight, to try, to believe again, then we’ve done something that matters.”
As the film premieres around the country, the filmmakers and starring athletes will appear in Q&A events alongside the film in major cities and territories.
Changing Track will screen at the following cinemas ahead of the December 3 national release:
- Adelaide, November 5, Australian premiere. Palace Nova Eastend
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Emily Petricola, Korey Boddington, Kane Perris and Luke Zaccaria, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon. - Perth, November 10, Event Cinemas Innaloo
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Kane Perris and Luke Zaccaria, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon. - Sydney, November 14, Ritz Cinemas – Randwick
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Emily Petricola, Korey Boddington, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon.
November 17, Hayden Orpheum – Cremorne
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Korey Boddington and Gordon Allan, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon. - Canberra, November 18, Dendy Canberra
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Emily Petricola and Kane Perris, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon. - Brisbane, November 19, Five Star Cinemas – New Farm
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Korey Boddington and Kane Perris, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon. - Melbourne, November 26, Lido Cinemas
Featuring a Q&A with featured Paralympic athletes Emily Petricola and Korey Boddington, and filmmakers Tristan Kenyon and Timothy Kenyon.
Tickets can be booked via cinema websites or at www.changingtrack.com/tickets. View the trailer online.