Anant Singh's documentary 'Personal Best' wins at SPORTEL Awards

ANANT Singh’s critically acclaimed documentary PERSONAL BEST was awarded the Best Thematic Documentary Award at the SPORTEL Awards, held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

This prestigious event acknowledges outstanding content within the sports media landscape, showcasing works that encapsulate the essence of athleticism, remarkable achievements, and the intrinsic beauty found in global sports.

Singh, who took the role of executive producer for the documentary, expressed his profound joy at receiving the accolade, noting that PERSONAL BEST serves as a tribute to the spirit of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “This is a meaningful acknowledgement for PERSONAL BEST, a film which celebrates the spirit and magic of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, one of the best Games ever staged. It is a South African/European co-production, which makes us very proud,” he stated during his acceptance speech at the gala event.

The documentary invites audiences on an immersive and inspiring cinematic journey, spotlighting extraordinary athletes who push the boundaries of human potential in their relentless pursuit of glory. 

Viewers will witness the powerful strides of Faith Kipyegon, the electrifying sprints of Noah Lyles, and the captivating fencing duels of Olga Kharlan. 

The film also introduces emerging talents such as swimming prodigy Léon Marchand and boxing medallist Cindy Ngamba, whose transition from refugee to athlete tells a story of resilience. 

Additionally, badminton stars Huang Yaqiong and Zheng Siwei, alongside surfing maestro Jack Robinson, add to the diverse tapestry of sporting excellence portrayed in the film.

PERSONAL BEST is a product of collaboration, with Anant Singh's Videovision Entertainment and Distant Horizon at the helm, co-produced in partnership with Olympic Channel Services, overseen by Yiannis Exarchos and Kotas Karvelas. 

The film is co-directed by Ady Walter and Amal Doghmi, with editing by Doghmi and an original score crafted by South African composer Paul Hepker.

In addition to the triumph at the SPORTEL Awards, Singh has recently been recognised as the Film Person of the Year at the International Indian Film Festival Toronto (IIFFT), coinciding with its 10th anniversary celebrations. 

The festival opened with Singh's iconic film MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM. IIFFT, a non-profit cultural organisation, aims to showcase the richness of Indian cinema across North America, promoting cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.

Anant Singh’s accomplishments signify an influential contribution to storytelling in cinema, successfully bridging cultures and inspiring audiences around the world.

Discover how PERSONAL BEST highlights the extraordinary journeys of Olympic athletes while garnering significant accolades in the realm of sports cinema.