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RUNNER depicts Guor Mading Maker's difficult and triumphant journey from refugee to world-renowned athlete.
When he was only 8 years old, Guor Mading Maker (formally known as Guor Marial) ran from captivity in war-torn Sudan to eventually seek safety in the US. In his new life, Maker began running again, participating in high school track and field and eventually becoming a sensation and qualifying for the 2012 Olympics. But because the newly formed South Sudan was not recognized by the International Olympic Committee, Maker had to fight to compete independently, refusing to run for Sudan and taking a stand against its oppression.
RUNNER depicts Maker's difficult and triumphant journey from refugee to a world-renowned athlete, told in intimate interviews with gorgeously animated flashbacks of Guor's upbringing, and culminating in a heart-wrenching reunion with his parents after a 20-year separation. His story is a distinctly inspirational one in which the indomitable human spirit emerges against all odds.
87 minutes
SDH Captioned
Directed by Bill Gallagher
Produced by Bill Gallagher
Executive Producers: Jay Narain, Lindsay Narain
Writers: Bill Gallagher, Eric Daniel Metzger
Editors: Bill Gallagher, Eric Daniel Metzger
Original Music: Eduardo Aram
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"A reminder of what people can be...It is also a story of acceptance and moving forward."
"A story of privation and perseverance, personal pain, of tragedies and triumphs."
Roger Moore, Movie Nation
""Heartwarming...This film is emotional, empowering, and truly inspires us all to push through even in our toughest times."
"Fascinating...The best thing about RUNNER is Guor himself, a humble and sympathetic character whose life has more twists than the average thriller."
"His story is anything but conventional...A jaw-dropping experience...RUNNER is an inspirational picture, but also an emotional one."
Jeff Mitchell, Phoenix Film Festival
"RUNNER is an inspirational true story about the power of running, war, family, friendship, and perseverance. Through Guor Marial's story, we learn about South Sudan's struggle for independence, decades of war, and a range of challenges facing refugees, but we also learn how sport can transform individuals, communities, even nations, and provide joy and hope."
Jennifer Erickson, Professor of Anthropology, Ball State University, Author, Race-ing Fargo: Refugees, Citizenship, and the Transformation of Small Cities