Facing Forward
Set in South Africa, the film follows three para surf athletes with different disabilities, their stories, and upcoming events, which include the 2024 National Para Surf Championship.
Together, they represent the human spirit of resilience and self-development. What makes them heroes? Their daily choices. Irrespective of their "obvious" disadvantages, they pursue a professional sport and inspire those in similar circumstances. Through surf therapy, they learn to cope with personal highs and lows. When life gives them lemons, they go surfing.
Adaptive surf in South Africa is still an underdeveloped sport and not yet included in the abled body events and championship as a division. Graciously, some organizations and various communities enable the sport through private events. These organizations also arrange and train volunteers and coaches for the athletes. The sport often requires a team of volunteers/coaches per athlete for them to surf and partake in a competition. This strong dependence on the people around them further facilitates and enables these athletes to overcome challenges in the water.
This documentary is a celebration of the human spirit and a testament to the healing power of sports.
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Eugene AhlersDirector
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Melandi AhlersProducer
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Raemondo LessingKey Cast"As himself"
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Noluthando MakalimaKey Cast"As herself"
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Tracy McKayKey Cast"As herself"
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Runtime:24 minutes 25 seconds
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Completion Date:January 19, 2025
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Production Budget:1,000,000 ZAR
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Country of Origin:South Africa
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Country of Filming:South Africa
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Full Frame Digital
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Aspect Ratio:17:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
As a modern day Filmmaker, there is more than merely editing, scripting and producing a visual product. More often than not, Eugene's role starts by interpreting people's ideas to a compelling vision.
Eugene, from 2001, was a full-time musician and studio sound engineer/producer. He also studied theology, including general sciences, English and sociology. He, together with Melandi started Firstlight Studio in 2013 and have together worked on Government commercial documentaries, Corporate documentaries and marketing collateral, SME commercials and created numerous free media content for NGO/NPO's.
His skills include, but not limited to Film Director, Cinematography, Photography, Audio Engineering, Lighting, Post-Production, Editor, Scripting and Copywriter.
Clients served include, but not limited to Cape Town International Convention Centre, Department of Fisheries, Forestry and the Environment, Wesgro, Department of Arts, Culture & Sport, UCT, H3D, and much more.
Qualification:
Matriculated in 2000. Udemy 2018: Photography Masterclass, Photography Composition & Portrait Photography Masterclass, Digital Masterclass, Color Grading with Da Vinci Resolve. Vega School 2013: Digital Camera Course. Modo 701 Signature 2013: 3D Modelling & Animation.
I have always been fascinated by people who push themselves to higher achievements.
The idea for Facing Forward is to give a voice to people with disability who became South African world surf champions. What makes them risk their lives in the ocean for a "stoke"?
In 2022, I encountered Reamondo at a convention. He was an arrogant little teen. Yet, despite being a quadruple amputee, his attitude was larger than life itself. He 'owned' the ground he was on. We also met Roxy Davis and other people with disabilities, and they went board-paddling in the water canal. After meeting these people, I knew I had to tell their story, and this documentary started to come to light.
We quickly learned about the community of professional instructors and surfers with disabilities, where a surf therapy session becomes a drive to championships. The ocean creates this environment where everyone in it is truly equal. No matter your status, disrespecting the ocean could cost you your life.
We interviewed three surf participants to allow a broader audience association. Raemondo, Tracy and Noluthando. Each of them has a unique story and disability, and I am always intrigued by who the viewer associates with.