The life story of athlete Guor Marial would be an incredible feature film even if it stopped before he arrived in the US as a young adult. Hailing from the war-torn region of Sudan, Marial had to fight for his life nearly every day due to the extreme violence happening around him at all times. The same violence that claimed the lives of 8 of his 9 siblings. But Marial’s story doesn’t end there, as his new life in the US led to the man becoming an elite athlete bringing hope to the people of his homeland and the opportunity to compete for Olympic Gold.
This is the story of the new documentary, “Runner,” which focuses on the life and athletic career of Marial, as he overcomes incredible adversity to not only survive during a war that has cost millions of lives but to also establish a new life in a foreign country where he is able to turn his ability to run into an opportunity for greatness.
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And in honor of “Runner” being released in virtual cinemas this month, we are thrilled to offer our readers an exclusive first look at the trailer for the film. As mentioned, “Runner” is expected to be released in partnership with cinemas around the country, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting refugee organizations, marathons, and running groups.
“‘Runner’ is about the ability to hope and the capacity to thrive even after enduring the most oppressive circumstances. It’s about letting the pain of our past propel us into turning negative circumstances into something positive,” said director Bill Gallagher. “The film’s protagonist, Guor Maker, is a refugee who endured unimaginable suffering, yet he willed himself into becoming an Olympian and used that platform to help inspire others. Hope is what we need right now and I couldn’t be happier to share this film with the world at this moment.”
“Runner” will arrive in virtual cinemas on June 19, timed to coincide with World Refugee Day on June 20. You can learn more about the virtual cinema release on the film’s website.
Here’s the synopsis for the film:
When he was only eight, Guor Mading Maker (known as Guor Marial) ran from capture in war-torn Sudan to eventually seek safety in the US. In his new life, Marial 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, Marial had to fight to compete independently, refusing to run for Sudan and taking a stand against its oppression. Runner depicts Marial’s difficult and triumphant journey from refugee to 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—and has us urging those in power to choose to do the right thing.
