A LIFE IN TANDEM | 2024 | Feature Documentary | 90mins
Directed by Mike Rumsey
Executive Produced by Ellen Windemuth (academy award-winner for My Octopus Teacher).
Produced by Waterbear Studios and Luke Grenfell-Shaw.
Edited by James Burt
Publicly premiered at The Ritzy Picturehouse, London in July 2025
Screened across the UK in cinemas September 2025 - February 2026.
Available on YouTube from February 26th 2026.
Festivals:
Official Selection: Kendal Mountain Festival 2024
Official Selection: Ayodhya Film Festival 2024
Official Selection: New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2024
Official Selection: London Mountain Film Festival 2025
Official Selection: OJAI Film Festival 2026
Official Selection: Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 2026
Official Selection: Made In Sussex Film Festival 2026
WINNER: Best Feature Documentary (Ayodhya Film Festival 2024)
Synopsis:
When Luke Grenfell-Shaw turned 24, his whole life was in front of him. Until he was diagnosed with incurable stage-four cancer. Weeks later, while he began chemotherapy, his brother died in a freak accident. As his family shattered, Luke made a decision: he had to survive.
Luke sets himself an extraordinary challenge - to cycle 20,000 miles from Bristol to Beijing on a tandem bike, inviting others living with incurable cancer to join him. Together, they make every moment count and prove that even in the darkest circumstances, anything is possible.
But along the way, Luke faces a quieter, deeper test - repairing his fractured relationship with his mum, Jenny, and rediscovering what life means when so much has been taken away.
A Life In Tandem is a gripping, uplifting true story - described by its Oscar-winning producer Ellen Windmuth as “a story that must be told.”
Critical Response:
“This is a story that must be told. Astonishing courage and self-belief.” Ellen Windemuth, Oscar winner for My Octopus Teacher.
“A terrific adventure film with a real difference… visually stunning.” Richard Klein, Oscar winner for Man On Wire.
"Very moving and really beautifully crafted." Tom McDonald, EVP of National Geographic.
'A Life in Tandem is a genuinely moving film that follows Luke's journey - not just across miles, but through the ups and downs of his own mind and emotions. It's about much more than cycling. It's about people: the friends, family, and total strangers who support him along the way. There are moments that'll definitely pull at your heart, but also plenty of laughs too. You don't have to be into bikes to get something out of this - it's a story about connection, resilience, and the ride we're all on." - RebeccaD-686 (IMDB review)
