2024 Program
2024 films
The Golden Mile
It’s the story of one the most extraordinary partnerships in sporting history, between the invincible miler and 1500m champion Herb Elliott and his unorthodox but visionary coach Percy Cerutty.
Herb Elliott is now 86. Both he and his family insist this will be his last and definitive interview. They provided wonderful family 8mm film never before screened publicly. There’s also a wealth other archival material making it an historic as well as inspiring and moving film. Not to be missed.
The Alpine Run Project
12 young athletes changing the world, here to defy the odds and show that nothing is Impossible. Only 43% of young people in inner cities complete the weekly recommendation of physical activity. This is reflected in the sport of trail running which is still largely the domain of middle-class white men. By 2027 the Alpine Run Project with John McAvoy, Nike, JD Sports and YBB will help 100,000 young people from diverse backgrounds in cities across Europe take part in trail running. By doing so this year, these 12 runners are part of a movement that will change the face of sport.
We Are All Protagonists
This film is about collective strength, the power of our differences, and the necessity of challenging stereotype.
Footprints
Footprints explores the unique environment of the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia.
Mental: The Kenyan School
“Mental – The Kenyan School” is a documentary about passion and dedication to sports. It follows the journey of four Brazilian runners training in the Land of Champions, the city of Iten, in Kenya.
Make Life Ultra
Film maker: Bruno Keustermans
“Make Life Ultra” is a short documentary film that follows the exceptional journey of trail and ultra runners Rik Goris and Dina Roman. As world record holders for Triple and Double Everesting, respectively, Rik and Dina share their insatiable passion for running and the profound impact it has on their lives.
The film delves into the pursuit of pushing physical boundaries and the resilience required to conquer challenges. The couple’s unique partnership symbolizes strength in unity and making each other better with every step. Through their achievements and personal growth, “Make Life Ultra” explores the transformative power of running beyond the finish line.
The film captures their training sessions in different locations, from the trails near Rik’s hometown to the renowned staircase Montagne de Bueren in Liège, where Rik and Dina set their world records. Alongside these local adventures, the film transports viewers to the Alps, where they return to their trail running origins, immersing themselves in the grandeur of the mountains.
As Rik and Dina reflect on their challenges, the film conveys a powerful message about living life to the fullest and finding joy in every moment. The title, “Make Life Ultra,” encapsulates the essence of their shared philosophy: a testament to their dedication to an extraordinary life through the pursuit of ultra running.
A Journey of 530 Kilometers | Back-to-back Ultra Marathons
Film maker: Jack Yao
Zheng Junyue, a wedding gown designer from Chengdu, China, is on the path to making history as the first Chinese woman to tackle the ultimate trail running challenge. It’s a back-to-back of two of the most grueling races, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a 171-kilometer race around Mont Blanc, and the Tor des Géants, a 350-kilometer ultramarathon in the Aosta Valley, Italy. With only six days between each race.
The documentary follows Zheng through a personal journey of overcoming pain, learning the limits of her body and discovering herself. Will she overcome the elements, steep gradients, and everything else Europe’s highest mountains throw at her?
Her story celebrates not only personal achievement but also the spirit of endurance that ordinary people can have.
The film captures their training sessions in different locations, from the trails near Rik’s hometown to the renowned staircase Montagne de Bueren in Liège, where Rik and Dina set their world records. Alongside these local adventures, the film transports viewers to the Alps, where they return to their trail running origins, immersing themselves in the grandeur of the mountains.
As Rik and Dina reflect on their challenges, the film conveys a powerful message about living life to the fullest and finding joy in every moment. The title, “Make Life Ultra,” encapsulates the essence of their shared philosophy: a testament to their dedication to an extraordinary life through the pursuit of ultra running.
Beyond the Finish Line
Film maker: Matthew Williams
Beyond the Finish Line follows the journey of Marisa Pasnick as she prepares for the grueling Bigfoot 200 race while facing the challenges of an eating disorder. Marisa’s story is a testament to resilience and strength as she navigates the dual paths of training and recovery. This film aims to destigmatize eating disorders, highlighting that recovery is ongoing and that support from the community is crucial. Join us as we witness Marisa’s journey and advocate for greater awareness and understanding of eating disorders.
Start Like a Coward
Film maker: Will Millar
47km along the western coast of Vancouver Island, the Juan de Fuca Trail is mostly used for multi-day backpacking. A handful of trail runners have run the entire length in under 6 hours.
Tyler D’Arcy tries to beat the current record time of 5h10min and shares his journey of getting into trail running from his former life as a competitive road cyclist.