Beyond the Cheer
Beyond the Cheer is about the Western Cheerleading team behind school spirit and taking a closer look at their championship mindset. It’s about Western cheer team hyping up the crowd with their high energy flashy routines combined with the pressure of representing Western’s strength is sports and recreation.
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Clarence WangDirector
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Clarence WangWriter
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Nyren MoWriter
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Clarence WangProducer
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Abhishek ShirkeProducer
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Ethan YounProducer
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Alex CaronKey Cast"Alex"
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Elya WardiniKey Cast"Elya"
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David-Lee TracyKey Cast"Trace"
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:6 minutes 8 seconds
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Completion Date:November 27, 2024
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Country of Origin:Canada
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Country of Filming:Canada
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - Western University
Clarence Wang is a 22-year-old aspiring filmmaker, video producer, and digital storyteller currently completing his final year at Western University, majoring in Media, Information, and Technoculture. His passion for filmmaking started in an introductory media course, where he quickly developed a love for visual storytelling, leading him to direct and produce multiple documentaries and digital media projects.
My name is Clarence Wang. I’m 22, in my last year of university, and still figuring things out. I wouldn’t even call myself a “filmmaker” yet—just someone who loves capturing stories and bringing them to life through video. Beyond the Cheer started as a class project, but it quickly became something much bigger for me.
I’ve always been fascinated by the people behind the performance—the ones who put in the hours of training, push through injuries, and support each other like family. I wanted to show that cheerleading is more than what most people think. It’s not just smiles and routines; it’s strength, teamwork, and a whole lot of heart.
This documentary was a chance for me to step into their world and capture what it really feels like to be part of a team. From long practices to the high-pressure moments on game day, I wanted to showcase the ups and downs, the exhaustion, the excitement, and the friendships that make it all worth it.
I don’t have years of experience or a long list of credits, but I do have a passion for storytelling and a deep respect for the people who trust me to tell their stories. Beyond the Cheer is just the beginning, and submitting it to the TIFF Young Creators Festival is my way of putting myself out there, hoping to connect with others who love storytelling as much as I do.
If nothing else, I hope this film makes people see cheerleading—and the people behind it—in a new light. And maybe, just maybe, it’s my first step toward making a career out of something I love.