Capturing Real-life Triumphs: How Danielle Sellwood Shifts Perceptions on Ageing in Sport
Hello, and welcome to another inspiring episode of "Retirement Rebel." I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we delve into the stories and experiences of those who've dared to redefine what life after 60 can truly be. It's not just about ageing; it's about living boldly and embracing this incredible phase of life with vigour and joy. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or taking a leisurely walk, I want you to feel the excitement and possibility in the air.
Today, I'm particularly excited to introduce you to Danielle Sellwood, a truly pioneering documentary maker. We dove into some deeply impactful topics that , I believe, will resonate with you. First, we explored the empowering theme of redefining ageing. Danielle shared her journey as a filmmaker, highlighting her commitment to challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with growing older. Her documentaries are not just films; they're movements that remind us there's so much potential and vibrancy after 60. I know you'll appreciate how her work aligns with the values of positive ageing and empowerment, something we hold dear here at "Retirement Rebel."
We also tackled the important subject of representation, especially concerning the under-representation of women's stories in sports and adventure. Danielle’s passion for ensuring that women's stories, particularly those of older women, are visible and celebrated really shines through. She embodies the spirit of advocating for positive change and building a community where these voices can be heard. If you've ever felt unseen or unheard in your pursuits, her story will uplift and inspire you.
Lastly, we journeyed into Danielle's personal history as an international canoeist. It’s a testament to the power of staying active and finding new paths, even after we think our mainstream careers might be over. Her athletic journey is a reminder that life is full of exciting twists and turns, and there’s always another adventure awaiting us. These themes of personal growth, adventure, and community are at the heart of what this podcast is about, and I'm certain you'll find Danielle's story as motivating as I did.
So, let's dive into this conversation with Danielle Sellwood and explore all the vibrant possibilities life after 60 holds. Thank you for being here and for being part of this Retirement Rebel community. Let’s embrace this journey together!
Key Points:
00:00 - Introduction to the Episode In this episode, I introduce Danielle Sellwood, a pioneering documentary maker. We focus on her work in redefining ageing, particularly through sports and adventure documentaries that highlight the stories of women, older adults, and the disabled community.
00:45 - The Importance of Women's Visibility Danielle shares her commitment to making women, especially as they age, more visible in the media. She discusses her career evolution from sportswear designer to documentary maker, driven by a sense of justice and fairness.
02:39 - The Challenge of Sportswear for Women Danielle discusses the historical lack of sportswear for women and her efforts to change it. She reflects on the "shrink it and pink it" mentality and the importance of creating functional and stylish sportswear for women, particularly those dealing with menopause.
08:17 - The Role of Sport in Aging We delve into Danielle's perspective on the importance of maintaining physical activity as we age. She advocates for the community and enjoyment aspects of sports, regardless of the level of competition involved.
09:47 - Danielle's Documentary 'Younger' Danielle talks about her documentary 'Younger', which follows older female athletes and aims to shift the perception of ageing. She emphasises the empowerment found in community and the pursuit of personal goals, regardless of age.
13:34 - Challenging Stereotypes and Finding Joy We discuss how the film helps in shifting societal perceptions of ageing. Danielle shares insights on how people, including herself, find joy and purpose in activities they love, challenging stereotypes about older adults.
17:47 - Masters Athletics and Opportunities in Aging Danielle explains the concept of masters athletics and how it offers continual opportunities for older individuals to compete and excel, showcasing ageing as a journey with phases of growth and achievement.
30:17 - Making Films Accessible Danielle highlights her current project, a documentary about a blind woman aiming to swim the channel. She discusses the importance of accessibility in films, aligning with her advocacy for inclusivity.
37:52 - Embracing Authenticity Lastly, we reflect on the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how Danielle's commitment to genuine narratives empowers those she features and inspires audiences to embrace life fully at any age.
Guest info
Danielle Sellwood is a pioneering documentary filmmaker celebrated for her impactful work in reshaping perceptions of ageing and highlighting under-represented stories, particularly those of women in sports and adventure. Her journey into filmmaking was motivated by a desire to address the lack of diverse representation in these genres. Before transitioning to filmmaking, Danielle was an accomplished international canoeist, which has infused her storytelling with a deep understanding and passion for sports.
Danielle's career path has been marked by significant milestones. She co-founded Sportsister, a groundbreaking sports website and magazine for women, in 2008 and later directed visual campaigns for the Women's Sport Trust. Her filmmaking career began as a response to the limited narratives in sports and adventure films, leading her to create thought-provoking documentaries that challenge societal norms.
Her films, such as "Untethered" and "Younger", showcase her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. "Untethered" tells the inspiring story of Melanie Barratt, a blind Paralympian who becomes the first blind woman to swim the English Channel, while "Younger" celebrates the achievements of older female athletes. Danielle's work is characterised by its emphasis on authenticity and personal storytelling, making her a true innovator in her field.
Through her company, Find It Film, Danielle continues to produce documentaries that inspire and educate, using techniques like open captions and audio descriptions to ensure her films are accessible to a wide audience. Her dedication to storytelling and her passion for promoting diverse voices have established her as a leading figure in documentary filmmaking.
Links and Resources
- Danielle Sellwood
- Documentary: Younger
- Documentary: Untethered
- Photographer: Alex Rotas
- Film Distributor: Tull Stories
- Melanie Barrett, subject of the documentary Untethered
- Sky Sports New Focus Fund
- British Sign Language (BSL)
Quotes
Commercialisation in Women's Sport: Balancing Progress and Grassroots Support"
"Things have massively improved, but we still have a way to go. But a lot of it is about commercialisation. I mean, I sort of struggle with that because you don't want it to go so far that everything is a commercial consideration because, obviously, I'm massively interested in grassroots sports and everyday people as well as the elite athletes, and we need to make sure that, you know, it doesn't just become about a bland glossiness in elite sport, and that's where all the money goes. It needs to go all the way through."
Intergenerational Appeal:
"So it's appealing to young women, middle aged women, and older women alike, you know, because it gives them all a sense of what we are capable at of as women at whatever age you are because it is heartwarming."
Overcoming Shyness for a Greater Cause:
“I'm not a natural self promoter. I find it really hard to promote myself, but I feel so strongly about the the fact that these women have trusted me with their stories, and their stories are so hugely important that I can get up there and I can talk about this film because it's such an important message, and it's really touching people, and it is changing people's perceptions. And, yeah, it genuinely feels important. And so I can overcome my own shyness, if you like, because the message is bigger."
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Mentioned in this episode:
Partnering to Challenge Ageism Together
We’re thrilled to partner with the Centre for Ageing Better to support their Age Without Limits campaign. This inspiring initiative challenges stereotypes and champions the idea that ageing should be celebrated, not limited by societal views. Discover more and join the movement at agewithoutlimits.org.
