The Athlete
Atletu
Ethiopia, 2009, 93 Minute Running Time
Additional Countries: Germany/USA
Topics: African Interest, Biopic, Drama, Sports
Program: Awards Buzz : Best Foreign Language Film
Language: Amharic English Sub-Titles
Marathoner Abebe Bikila, the first black African to win an Olympic
gold, ran his gold medal marathon barefoot. Impressive, sure, but
Bikila's story becomes truly remarkable following an accident that
leaves him unable to walk. From Bikila's early Olympic triumphs that
made him a national hero, to the aftermath of the accident that left him
paralyzed, Bikila's ceaseless determination for greatness never wavers.
The Athlete is a well-crafted character study set within a
compelling and unique biopic. As Bikila struggles to redefine his life
after the accident, the film thoughtfully considers the meaning of the
drive to compete and what makes a champion. Remarkably blending
breathtaking scenes starring Ethiopian Rasselas Lakew and archival
footage of the real Abebe Bikila, the film's visual metaphors cement
this film firmly in the runner's movie pantheon. This well-acted and
strikingly photographed true story will come as a welcomed tribute to
those who know Bikila's story, and as an unforgettable discovery to
those who do not.
Directors to attend screenings
DIRECTOR: Davey Frankel, Rasselas Lakew
Producer: Davey Frankel, Rasselas Lakew, Darryn Welch
Editor: Davey Frankel, Matt Mayer
Screenwriter: Davey Frankel, Rasselas Lakew, Mikael Aemrio Awake
Cinematographer: Philipp Pfeifer, Rodney Taylor, Toby Moore, Radoslav Spassov
Music: Christian Meyer, Mark Wike
Principal Cast: Rasselas Lakew, Dag Malmberg, Ruta Gedmintas, Abba Waka Dessalegn
Filmography: Debut Feature
Print Source: Davey Frankel - www.theathletefilm.com
20.01.2011 | Vanessa McMahon's blog
Cat. : Abeba Abebe Bikila athlete Athletics CDATA cement Christian Meyer Contact Details Darryn Welch Davey Director editor Employment Relation Entertainment Entertainment Films Frankel Germany Human Interest Human Interest Mark Wike Matt Mayer Screenwriter Mikael Aemrio Awake Palm Springs 2011 Person Career Philipp Pfeifer Producer Radoslav Spassov Music Rodney Taylor runner Ruta Gedmintas Sports THE ATHLETE The Athlete The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia Toby Moore United States Waka www.theathletefilm.com