Solo
Toni McCann disrupted the world of trail running in 2018, when she lined up for her first ever marathon, against the strongest field of mountain runners every assembled, and dominated the field to a podium finish. Overnight she became a professional athlete and has excelled ever since. 2020 was a year with much anticipation with her being a favourite to win the World Skyrunning Series, but as with the rest of the world, COVID-19 eradicated those plans. Instead, she found herself housebound for 2 months, alone, unable to practice her trade and passion, and without access to the people closest to her, while the South African economy was thrown into turmoil. Through an intimate video diary, Toni records her thoughts and experiences as she grapples with the loss of her identity as a runner, lonesomeness and the craving for human connection, her privilege as a middle-class citizen, and the uncertainty of what the future holds. What is revealed is the tight bond within the running community and her family, and how this support structure is the foundation for something far more powerful than just running. It is a very personal, yet relatable account of the pressures of isolated living, and attempting to flatten the curve for the greater good.
Featuring Toni McCann
Directed and edited by Damien Schumann
Camera by Toni McCann and Damien Schumann
Produced by James Walsh and Damien Schumann
Music from Artlist: Sea of Clouds by Caleb Etgeridge
Moon Waltz 2nd Movement Piano Version by Francesco D Andrea
Timeless by Landon Austin
Nunatak and Reflections by Linus Johnsson
See more work at www.dspgallery.com
Instagram @damienschumann // @tonimccann
Articles and interviews:
Sidetracked - https://www.sidetracked.com/fieldjournal/solo-in-isolation-with-toni-mccann/
Runers World - https://www.runnersworld.co.za/news/solo-trail-runner-toni-mccanns-lockdown-journey/