Before the Finish Line is a 10-minute Brazilian documentary directed and written by Waldemar Castro. Made in 2025, the film focuses on athletics, telling the story of Regina, a young athlete and single mother facing the difficulties of reconciling sporting and family life.
The documentary explores sacrifice and determination in sport, showing how the protagonist seeks to fulfil her dream of becoming a professional athlete despite personal obstacles and everyday responsibilities. Athletics is not only a passion for Regina, but also a path to emancipation and inner growth.
The narrative centres on 22-year-old Regina and her intense training routine, alternating with time spent with her eight-year-old daughter, Maria Clara. The arrival of Yuri, a figure entering their lives who arouses conflicting feelings of trust and distrust, becomes a key element of the story. Through the characters' interactions, the documentary highlights the challenges faced by someone who, besides being an athlete, must also take on the role of parent.
The film foregrounds commitment and resilience: the search for balance between sporting dreams and family responsibilities. It is an authentic portrait of how sport can represent not just competitive achievement but also a path of personal growth.
From a production standpoint, Before the Finish Line is neither a student project nor the director's first work. It was shot entirely in Brazil on a modest budget, evidencing an independent production focused on the strength of its human and sporting story.
The film was completed on 1 January 2025 and is ready to be presented at festivals or events dedicated to sports cinema and documentary.
Film Details
Title: Before the Finish Line
Original title: Before the Finish Line
Director: Waldemar Castro
Production: Waldemar Castro
Country: Brazil
Language: Portuguese
Running time: 10 minutes 3 seconds
Genre: Documentary
Sport featured: Athletics
Protagonist(s): Regina, Maria Clara, Yuri
Completion date: 1 January 2025
Premiere: [Not specified]
Distributor: [Not specified]
Shooting format: Colour, digital
Director's first film: No
Student project: No