Rising Phoenix

Paralympic athletes' inspiring journeys to championship

Watch on Netflix
About Rising Phoenix

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: PG-13

Run time: 1h 46m

Cast

About Rising Phoenix

Rising Phoenix is a documentary film released in 2020 that explores the fascinating and inspirational stories of Paralympic athletes from around the world. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, the film sheds light on the Paralympic Games and the extraordinary individuals who participate in them.

Explore

About Rising Phoenix

Rising Phoenix delves into the history and impact of the Paralympic Games, a global sporting event that showcases the incredible talent, determination, and resilience of athletes with disabilities. The film features interviews with Paralympic athletes from various countries and across different sports, highlighting their personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs.

The documentary also explores the Paralympics' origins and how it has grown to become an influential movement, challenging societal perceptions of disability and promoting inclusivity in sports.

Throughout the film, viewers witness the athletes' extraordinary abilities and the immense dedication required to compete at the highest level of Paralympic sports. Rising Phoenix not only celebrates these athletes' achievements on the field but also emphasizes the importance of representation, acceptance, and equality for individuals with disabilities.

Making / Production

Rising Phoenix was co-directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, who collaborated closely on the project. The filmmakers conducted extensive research and traveled around the world to interview Paralympic athletes and capture their stories.

The documentary combines archival footage, interviews, and visually captivating scenes to engage viewers and provide a deeper understanding of the Paralympics and the experiences of the athletes.

Actors

  • Bebe Vio - Italian fencer who overcame a life-threatening illness and became a Paralympic champion.
  • Tatyana McFadden - American wheelchair racer who has excelled in marathons and track events.
  • Jonnie Peacock - British Paralympic sprinter known for his success in the T44 category.
  • Ellie Cole - Australian swimmer who has won multiple Paralympic gold medals.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • Rising Phoenix is the first feature-length documentary to focus exclusively on the Paralympic Games.
  • The film showcases the evolutionary history of the Paralympics, from its inception in the aftermath of World War II to its current global reach.
  • Several prominent individuals, including Prince Harry and former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, make appearances in the documentary to discuss the significance of the Paralympic Games.

Awards

Rising Phoenix has been highly acclaimed and has received several awards, including the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

  • "The only disability in life is a bad attitude." - Scott Hamilton
  • "The Paralympic Games are a celebration of ability, not disability." - Bebe Vio
  • "Sport can be a force for tremendous good." - Prince Harry

Music

The film features a captivating and emotional score composed by Daniel Pemberton. The music enhances the storytelling and helps create an immersive experience for viewers.

Soundtrack

  • "Phoenix Rise" by Ethan Roberts
  • "ConTENders" by Martin Phipps
  • "Can You Feel It (Inspiration)" by Jenny Berggren