“This is a story that the world needs right now”– Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Nominee – Best Documentary – British Independent Film Awards
RISING PHOENIX tells the extraordinary story of the Paralympic Games. From the rubble of World War II to the third biggest sporting event on the planet, the Paralympics sparked a global movement which continues to change the way the world thinks about disability, diversity & human potential.
The film features breathtaking footage and compelling interviews with several Medal-Winning Paralympians including Tatyana McFadden (Para Athletics, United States), Bebe Vio (Wheelchair Fencing), Jean-Baptiste Alaize (Para Long Jump), Ntando Mahlangu (Para Track & Field),Matt Stutzman (Para Archery, United States), Jonnie Peacock (Para Sprint Runner),Ryley Batt (Para Wheelchair Ruby), Ellie Cole (Para Swimming), and Cui Zhe (Powerlifting).It also features an interview with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.
RISING PHOENIX is a feature documentary directed by Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte, makers of the BAFTA nominated McQueen. The film was produced by Greg Nugent, John Battsek and Tatyana McFadden and is an HTYT Films and Passion Pictures production in association with Ventureland and Misfits Entertainment. The film was executive Produced by Richard Curtis, Barbara Broccoli, Barnaby Spurrier, Godric Smith, Dee Ryder, Xavi Gonzalez and Andrew Ruhemann. RISING PHOENIX has a running time of 1 hour 46 mins.
The title track is written and performed by two-time Golden Globe award nominee Daniel Pemberton, who composed the original score for the movie, and three artists who all have a disability: George Dorman (known as georgetragic) and Keith Jones, both of whom have cerebral palsy, and Toni Hickman, who has survived two brain aneurysms and a stroke. The trio is part of the artist collective called ‘Krip-Hop Nation’, led by Leroy F Moore from California, USA, whose mission is to shine a light on the talent, history, rights and marketability of hip-hop artists and other musicians with disabilities. The title track was launched with a lyric video that was premiered on social media by Coldplay, proud supporters of the Paralympics.
It was the intention of the producers that RISING PHOENIX included opportunities available for individuals with disability. As a result, people with disabilities have been involved in the film on and off screen from the very first piece of research through to the final title track. This proactive approach has resulted in over 16% of the film’s working days being fulfilled by people with disability.
To coincide with the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the film team have launched an educational website for RISING PHOENIX that includes a downloadable Education Guide, providing a framework and resources to enable teachers to delve deeper into the subject matter in the classroom.
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