7 Beats Per Minute
In the unforgiving world of competitive freediving, Jessea Lu rose with extraordinary speed, driven by discipline, control and an unrelenting desire to test her limits. During a world-record attempt, she blacked out underwater and was lifeless for four minutes. This event forced her to confront not just physical danger, but the emotional cost of extreme self-mastery. Through intimate vérité filmmaking and breathtaking underwater imagery, the film traces Jessea’s return to the site of her near-death experience, where pressure compresses the body and the mind becomes the final frontier. As diver and filmmaker descend together, the ocean emerges as a mirror: reflecting trauma, resilience and the vulnerability required to let go. To reach the deepest point, Jessea must heal her way back to her authentic self.
Awards and distinctions
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Best Canadian Feature FilmAvailable Light Film Festival, Whitehorse2025
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Gratitude Award: Sports on ScreenCentre Film Festival, Philipsburg2024
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Best Documentary- Maple Leaf AwardChinese Film Festival, Vancouver2024
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Human Spirit AwardChagrin Documentary Film Festival, Chagrin Falls2024
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Poster Design Jury AwardSouth by Southwest Film Conference and Festival (SXSW), Austin2024