Caleb Swanepoel overcame losing his leg in a shark attack, to become a South African Para Surfing champion and now he shares his story in a short film that is going international!
Colorado, United States (24 May 2023) – Caleb Swanepoel is on his way to the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado to promote his short film “And Yet, I Remain”. The short film highlights his return to the ocean after surviving a shark attack so he can learn to become a freediver.
Caleb’s life forever changed when he was just 20 years old; he was bodysurfing in the sea during a family holiday when he was attacked by a great white shark, which pulled him underwater and severed his right leg above the knee. He was able to swim to shore with the help of his brother Sandy before being airlifted to the hospital. Amazingly Caleb was on crutches within three days and spent a mere ten days in the hospital – going back into the ocean to conquer his fears only three weeks after the attack.
Since then, he has gone on to become a South African Para-Surfing Champion four times, a Western Province Para Surfing Champion, National Para Swimming Champion and landed in the top 3 at the “South Africa for Adaptive Crossfit” Open.
Now, his short film, directed by Rick Wall and Dougal Paterson, is having its Northern America Premiere at the Mountainfilm Festival – one of the country’s most iconic film events. It is famous for screening independent documentary films.
Caleb took to his social media to share the exciting news that his film “And Yet, I Remain” had been selected for the festival and that he was on his way to represent South Africa. His short film has previously been featured at the Wavescape Surf and Ocean Film Festival too.
This is huge and he is so excited to represent South Africa at the festival. We look forward to hearing how it goes, best of luck Caleb!
Check out the short film trailer below.
And yet, I Remain. Trailer from Rick Wall Films on Vimeo.
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