Be Like Betty

Short Documentary Director, Producer & Editor Betty Brussel quite literally defines what it means to never give up on chasing your dreams. A world record holder in multiple swimming events for her age group at 99 years old, Betty is proving that her hundredth year might just be her greatest season yet. Despite facing a heart attack, a broken back, shoulder surgery, and profound personal loss over the past two decades, Betty's optimism, resilience, and relentless determination to chase her dreams in the pool are at the heart of this inspiring short documentary. Be Like Betty was a three-year passion project that I directed, edited, and co-produced with my wife Emma. The filmmaking process began long before the cameras started rolling, with months spent swimming alongside Betty, building trust, and developing a genuine friendship. This relationship became the foundation of the film, allowing us to capture an intimate and authentic portrait of an extraordinary woman whose outlook on life challenges conventional ideas about aging. Bringing this independent documentary to life required a combination of community support and institutional funding. The project received a finishing grant from the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), alongside a successful crowdfunding campaign that helped finance the remaining stages of production and post-production. The film is currently making its way through the festival circuit, with screenings at the Lunenburg Doc Fest in Nova Scotia and the New Westminster International Film Festival in British Columbia. Additional festival screenings are anticipated throughout late 2026 and into spring 2027. More than a film about competitive swimming, Be Like Betty is a celebration of perseverance, human connection, and the belief that it's never too late to pursue something extraordinary.