Fast and Faster
Synopsis: Rosemary Smith is phenomenally successful Irish rally driver. This short documentary follows her for a day on a racing track. She shares her story of a pioneer woman in times when gender inequality was prevalent in the western society. Her image of a tall, blonde pin up girl was deceiving her male counterparts in car racing as she was continuously beating them. Just like every champion, Rosemary too had fair share of tragedies and dramas in her life. This is the first time she opens up about her problematic marriage. Rosemary is in her 80’s and openly talks about her driving passion and remarkable career which is in sharp contrast to her traumatic personal life.
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Director's Statement
Rosemary Smith’s name is often mentioned in connection to the words trailblazer, pioneer and role model. Irish audience is well familiar with her quirky and fun personality. Her touching and highly inspiring story goes way beyond the story of motorsport legend. Through her story I wanted to illuminate aging as something we should honour and I wanted to contribute to the women empowerment. Ultimately, the film is a testimony to the fact that we all need to find a passion in our life to live truthfully.
Director's Bio
Beta Bajgart works as a freelance photographer, and she is also an experienced journalist and reporter. Originally from the Czech Republic, she moved to Ireland in 2004. She lives in Dublin with her Czech husband and two daughters. She is currently contracted as a stills photographer with the Irish TV soap opera Fair City.
Fast and Faster is Beta’s first short documentary film. It was commissioned by The Little Museum of Dublin as a part of the exhibition What’s She Doing Here? Women at Work 1918 – 2018. The exhibition was based on Beta’s acclaimed photography book A Woman’s Work which features 53 portraits of women in Ireland working in non-traditional and predominantly male jobs.
Official selection
Richard Harris International Film Festival - Ireland - 2018
Lady Filmmakers Festival - United States - 2019
Artemis Women in Action Film Festival - United States - 2021