Vanessa McMahon

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