RUNNER – Conversation with Director Bill Gallagher [E0UfK2pEOUG]
June 19, 2020 – 'Runner' was first introduced to Bay Area audiences at its World Premiere on Opening Night of the 2019 DocLands Documentary Film Festival. 'Runner' is now available for streaming online and DocLands Director of Programming Joni Cooper had an opportunity to revisit the film and host this conversation with director Bill Gallagher. Shining a spotlight on the resiliency of the human spirit under the most challenging of circumstances, 'Runner' follows Guor Marial, who at the age of only nine, ran from his refugee camp in war-torn Sudan to 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, qualifying for the 2012 Olympics. But because the newly formed South Sudan was not recognized by the International Olympics 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, an inspirational story in which the indomitable human spirit emerges against all odds – and has us urging those in power to choose to do the right thing.