Runner (2019)
NAME OF FILM: RUNNER (2019)
DIRECTOR(S): Bill Gallagher
GENRE: Documentary Film
SYNOPSIS: When he was eight, Guor Mading Maker ran from capture 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 then qualifying for the 2012 Olympics. But because the International Olympic Committee did not recognize the newly formed South Sudan, Maker had to fight to compete independently, refusing to run for Sudan and taking a stand against its oppression. Follow Maker’s difficult and triumphant journey from refugee to world-renowned athlete.
Timed with World Refugee Day – Saturday, June 20, director Bill Gallagher’s award-winning documentary ‘Runner‘ will have its virtual cinema release starting Friday, June 19. Runner follows the incredible story of Guor Marial the South Sudanese Lost Boy who survived slavery and a brutal war that took 8 of his 9 siblings to become an Olympic athlete.
The 2019 Naples International Film Festival announced the filmmaker award winners during the Closing Night Awards Ceremony with the jury prize for Best Narrative Feature (and a cash prize of $7,500) going to Amber McGinnis’ INTERNATIONAL FALLS, and the jury prize for Best Documentary Feature (and $7,500) given to Bill Gallagher’s RUNNER. Gallagher’s film RUNNER also took NIFF’s Audience Award for Documentary Feature (and an additional $2,000), while R.J. Daniel Hanna’s MISS VIRGINIA was the Audience Choice for Narrative Feature (also receiving $2,000).
The Heartland International Film Festival announced the official selections for its 28th edition, taking place October 10-20. Marielle Heller’s Tom Hanks’ starrer A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD was chosen as the Opening Night Gala film, and Destin Daniel Cretton’s JUST MERCY will screen as the Closing Night Gala selection. Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY is set to be the Centerpiece Screening, and Fernando Meirelles’ THE TWO POPES will be the Showcase Screening.
Now in its third year, the 2019 edition of DocLands Documentary Film Festival kicks off Thursday, May 2 with the World Premiere of RUNNER; director Bill Gallagher and film subject Guor Marial will be in attendance. The four-day festival will showcase 44 films from 14 countries, with 36 filmmakers in attendance. The Closing Night Film will be the Bay Area Premiere of THE WEIGHT OF WATER with Emmy Award winning director Michael Brown and film subject Erik Weihenmayer attending.