The Art of Bea-ing

The Art of Bea-ing is an intimate and reflective short documentary that follows Bea, a woman in her forties who discovered she was autistic later in life. After receiving her diagnosis at 40, Bea found solace and strength not in traditional therapy, but in the icy embrace of open water. Through her ritual of cold-water swimming, Bea reconnects with herself, her body, and the natural world in a way that feels grounding, empowering, and deeply human. Set against the raw beauty of Sheffield’s wild waters, the film captures both the physical challenge and emotional stillness that come with immersion. It offers an honest, tender portrayal of what it means to find healing outside conventional boundaries — showing that therapy can take many forms, and that nature often provides what words cannot. Directed and filmed by Sheffield-based videographer Jamie Schofield, The Art of Bea-ing grew from a passion for documenting real stories that challenge perceptions of ability and resilience. With a small, dedicated team, the project was created to highlight the transformative power of cold-water swimming — not only as a personal therapy, but as a universal reminder that peace, purpose, and strength can be found in the most unexpected places. Through Bea’s quiet courage, the film aims to inspire others to see beyond labels and limitations, and to celebrate the profound connection between human vulnerability and the natural world.