Netflix film tells the inspirational story of a Bristol woman’s Paralympic dreams

As the costs of getting the perfect horse to chase her Paralympic dreams are laid out, Tegan responds buoyantly with “I’d better book some more motivational speeches”.

“That’s just who she is,” says director Ngaio Anyia. “She’s like ‘yeah, it’s a lot of money. Yeah, it’s a big dream, but let’s just give it a go’.”

A new Netflix documentary by Ngaio and Aodh Breathnach tells the story of Tegan Vincent-Cooke, a Black woman with cerebral palsy and dystonia from Fishponds with a goal of riding for Team GB in the 2024 Paralympics.

Filmed over three months, it follows her inspirational journey to find the right horse to help her achieve her dream and reveals the levels of determination and support needed to break into a sport that is out of reach for so many.

“It’s amazing because when we first started this journey with her, there was an interview that we did and we asked Tegan what her goals were and she went through them but said they’re probably never going to happen. And then by the end of the three months, she’s done them all,” says Ngaio, speaking to Bristol24/7 about the star of the film that is already capturing hearts across the nation.

“This is the power of her [Tegan], the power of someone just going ‘no, I’m not going to let anything get in my way’. She’s a grafter but also a realist.”

Tegan: Dreams of the Paralympics touches on issues that include disability and race, and the fact that there are not many Black people in the equestrian world – and none who have been selected before for the Olympics or Paralympics.

Ngaio explains it was important to be honest about the reality of Tegan’s situation without making that the story. Ultimately, it is a joyful and empowering tale of a woman who won’t let barriers stop her from doing what she loves – and the family who are there by her side the whole way.

“They’ll be the first to say that they are not really horse people, it’s just because she loved it so much,” says Ngaio about Tegan’s family, and in particular her mum who features in the film.

“They’ve committed to going on this journey with her.”

Ngaio and Aodh made sure they had a strong team of local talent behind them for the documentary – photo: Charlotte Sawyer

Ngaio and Aodh went through a lengthy selection process to finally be among ten winning filmmakers awarded Netflix’s inaugural UK Documentary Talent Fund, which grants each team with up to £40,000 to create a documentary short film.

Aodh recruited cinematographer Patrick Smith, who has a number of big documentaries to his name, after approaching him in a pub.

For the two filmmakers, it was important to also use that money to open up opportunities to people who are currently under-represented in the industry and local talent.

“When we had that opportunity, we were like we really want to make sure that this goes out as far as it can,” explains Ngaio.

“We could easily find people from the industry but actually, there are people who aren’t necessarily in the industry who would be excellent.”

Ngaio said it was an honour to be trusted with Tegan’s story – photo: Charlotte Sawyer

The film premiere in London was the first time Tegan saw the documentary. Ngaio, having offered to give her a preview beforehand, says it was an incredible honour but also terrifying to be trusted so much with the story.

“When it finished, I looked over and she was crying. And Tegan does not cry easily,” recalls Ngaio, adding it was an emotional day for all involved.

Along with the mentoring, support and funding from Netflix, the international film and production giant helped Ngaio and Aodh set up their own company, Small Flame Films. They don’t have any set projects in the pipeline yet but Ngaio says she’d love to continue following Tegan’s journey towards her Paralympics goal.

Main photo: Charlotte Sawyer

Read more: Netflix commissions documentary about aspiring Bristol Paralympian 

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