A new, award- winning documentary film featuring an inspirational local Southport man is being premiered at Southport Bijou Cinema this week.
The film, Blind and Primed, features blind Scottish comedian James Connell on a quest to fitness and adventure with his personal trainer and guide, Rose Mac.
The film tracks his journey from a gruelling Parkrun in 2023, through boxing and weight lifting, towards a tandem skydive in 2024.
The idea for the film came from a conversation James had with Rose where she asked him if he had any fitness ambitions.
Using just a tiny GoPro camera the pair filmed James taking part in some of those challenges for over a year, which Rose then edited to make the film.
James said: “I would like to encourage more people to get involved in sport, no matter what their age or disability.
“I didn’t start getting fit until my mid fifties, a few years after I lost my sight.
“It’s not just about getting fit, it’s about the enjoyment of it as well – and we’ve had a lot of fun making this film!”
The film has won several accolades so far in various film festivals and will be featured in Manchester Lift Off Film Festival later in the year.
It will be shown at the Bijou Cinema in Southport from 7.30pm this Thursday (17th April 2025), with tickets available here: Southport Bijou Cinema – Classic Films Old & New and Independents
The documentary has now been released on YouTube:
We all face challenges on a daily basis. We all have dreams, aspirations and goals. James is no different.
At 57 he wanted to get fit, learn the art of boxing and become a skydiver. James lost his sight, but never lost his vision.
Filmed over 9 months between 2023 and 2024 in Southport, Blind and Primed follows James Connell as he transforms his health and fitness and pushes new boundaries with coach Rose Mac.
The film has immersed audio description by Vikings actress Jennie Jacques.
Currently on the film festival circuit it has already won a few festivals for best documentary.
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