Documentary on the Cork mum of three who became a powerlifting champion

The world premiere of a documentary centred on a Cork powerlifting champion Karen Barry will be shown at this year’s IndieCork Film Festival.

The film, entitled Lift, tells the story of how dental receptionist and mum of three became a powerlifting champion.

The documentary is the work of Stanley’s Deathpark Productions, the London/Dublin-based production company of Carrigaline natives Ken Williams and Denis Fitzpatrick.

Since 2012, they’ve made numerous award-winning short films, which have screened at festivals in Ireland and abroad. Lift is their first foray into long form storytelling. Their latest short film, Blanket, is also screening at IndieCork.

Lift traces Karen’s discovery of the sport which changed her life, and follows the 50-year-old to Minsk to participate in the World Championships as she continues to break personal best and Irish records.

“The striking thing for us wasn’t just the achievements themselves,” said co-director Ken Williams “but the fact that Karen was a novice at the sport, only arriving at it in her late forties. We instantly knew that there was a great story here worth telling, a family woman that you would wave to on the street but who can also lift five times her body weight!” “We’re delighted to screen Lift before a home crowd and sharing Karen’s amazing story with a wider audience,” said colleague Denis Fitzpatrick.

“We’re thrilled to screen Lift,” says IndieCork co-director, Mick Hannigan, “It tells the inspiring and, dare I say it, uplifting story of an extraordinary ‘ordinary’ woman. The best stories are those of the heroes and heroines in our midst.” Lift will be screened in the Gate Multiplex during the up-coming IndieCork Film Festival which runs from October 6 to 13.