I wanted to share an amazing documentary I just saw at the Vancouver South African Film Festival. I hope that people will try to see it. It is supposed to be showing soon in L.A., CA.
By first-time director, Odette Schwegler, the film is titled: Glory Game: The Joost van der Weisthuizen Story. Filmed over 18 months, it details the superstar South African rugby captain rise and retirement (via past televised games) to his eventual diagnose of of ALS and the desire to bring awareness in his homeland of the plight of ALS.
This documentary is beautiful. Even non-sports lovers will be inspired by this handsome and energetic man who was a huge physical present evolve to sharing his immense compassion that somehow enable others to find their own empathy, and all with a sense of purpose and humour.
After the viewing, the Director, Odette Schwegler and two ALS specialists, discussed and answered questions about the film, its star and the disease. Odette and the two others echoed the take away from this film, its pain and its joy, is that life is to be lived with an authentic embrace and that the spirit of a survivor is inspiring.
I hope you find the film to view in your home city. It is worthwhile to see for so many reasons.
Van