We always like to bring to attention Kickstarter campaigns for films that we think are of interest, and filmmaker Bill Gallagher’s new documentary, currently in production, Runner Without A Country, definitely fits that description.
The film is about Olympic marathon runner Guor Marial, who, as one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” was kidnapped and forced to do manual labor when he was 8 years old. Despite escape attempts, he was repeatedly captured, while also experiencing the tragic deaths of eight of his brothers and sisters. He eventually left Sudan for the U.S., 14 years ago, where he became a star high school and college track athlete, setting new records.
However, when Marial achieved his dream of running in the London 2012 Olympics, he was faced with a dilemma when he decided that he would run for South Sudan, which the Olympic committee did not officially recognize as a legitimate country.
But Marial stood his ground. As he said about his decision: “Some things are more important than Olympic glory. If I ran for Sudan, I would be betraying my people. I would be dishonoring the two million people who died for our freedom. I want to bring honor to my country… When I run, I want people to see me and say, “He is from South Sudan.”
What resulted was a David and Goliath story about one proud and determined man, going up against a rigid and entrenched institution.
Gallagher and his crew are currently looking to raise $26,000 to continue filming in South Sudan, and have started a Kickstarter campaign to achieve that goal.
You can go HERE to check out their Kickstarter page.
Watch a trailer for the film below: