A man with muscular dystrophy participates in sport

The award winning film brings to light the mental health impact of people with muscular dystrophy

24 September 2020

3 min read

A talented graduate has won an award for her documentary on the impact of a muscle wasting condition on mental health.

Stephanie Castelete-Tyrrell, who has muscular dystrophy, hopes the short film, ‘Muscle Warriors’, will raise awareness of people with the condition and how it can affect an individual’s mental health.

She said: “I am extremely honoured to have received this award. Making ‘Muscle Warriors’ was important to me as I felt that muscular dystrophy is hugely underrepresented in film. By educating my audience about the effects of the disease and illustrating how sufferers overcome their physical obstacles, this will help to develop people’s understanding of disabilities and ultimately remove stigma.

“Through my filmmaking, I have demonstrated that having muscular dystrophy is not a barrier, but an aspect of life that enables you to view and film the world differently and uniquely.”

Making ‘Muscle Warriors’ was important to me as I felt that muscular dystrophy is hugely underrepresented in film.

Stephanie Castelete-Tyrrell, Film Graduate

Deborah Shaw, Professor of Film and Screen Studies said: “Stephanie was a remarkable student who refused to be limited by her disability and took part in all classroom activities. I still remember her excellent presentations and thoughtful comments in lectures. 

“Her film ‘Muscle Warriors’ is a real achievement and demonstrates what people with muscular dystrophy can achieve through filmmaking and sport. All the staff from the School of Film, Media and Communication who taught Stephanie are delighted with her success and will follow her career with interest. 

The ‘Muscle Warriors’ film, promoted by Stephanie’s company, Four Wheel Drive Productions will be released soon, and people can follow her on Twitter @StephCastelete for further updates.