An advanced premier screening of the new documentary film on legendary Formula 1 driver Sir Jackie Stewart, Stewart, saw both the man himself and Prince Albert II in attendance at One Monte-Carlo.
Sir Jackie Stewart is a racing icon. Winning three Championship titles in 1969, 1971 and 1973, as well as garnering 27 wins and 43 podium finishes, he is one of the Formula 1 fans’ all-time favourite pilots.
Now a documentary film about his life using immaculately restored and previously unseen archive footage, Stewart, gives viewers a chance to relive those glory days again, as well as delve deeper into the man who not only was an amazing driver, but an early champion of greater safety on the track, fighting to improve conditions for all racers.
The film is described as “an immersive, colourful and powerfully emotive film, transcending motor sport to explore universal themes of love, loss and human vulnerability.”
Sir Jackie was there for the premier on Thursday night, alongside his son Mark – who is the film’s executive producer, Prince Albert II, and a host of other philanthropists, business leaders and celebrity guests from the world of racing. He shared stories and personal titbits about his career, life and family.
Family is one of the reasons for making this documentary. The proceeds from the screening were donated to Sir Jackie’s Race Against Dementia charity. This disease hits close to home for him as his wife, Helen, suffers from its destructive effects, along with 50 million other people globally.
“I am very proud that this film, made by my son’s company Mark Stewart Productions, is having a special viewing in Monte-Carlo over the Formula 1 weekend,” said the Flying Scot. “Monaco has brought me enormous pleasure and success over my career. We are doing this for the benefit of Race Against Dementia because my wife Helen, who I have been with for over 60 years, has dementia. I am looking forward to this event enormously and hope we can continue to raise awareness and funds for dementia research.”
Race Against Dementia provides catalyst funding, enabling researchers to pursue innovative ideas at the highest level, that might not get funded by the mainstream. They aim to instil a “Formula 1 attitude” in attention to detail and urgency, to accelerate the pace of solutions development.
“The process behind making this film has been extremely fascinating for me, not just as a filmmaker, but as a son too,” said Mark Stewart. “I look at the footage and see these time capsules that bring back to life the harsh realities of a career in motorsport during my father’s racing career whilst being a husband or wife, father or mother and friend. Patrick Mark and Shawn Tracey, who I have worked with for over 30 years, have meticulously combed through hours of footage, interviews and stories to bring to life the story of my father’s racing years. It is an honour to be able to showcase this special screening, in aid of Race Against Dementia, ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix with HSH Prince Albert II.”
Photos provided by Irvine Consulting