Oprah Winfrey said, “I think every parent should go take their children to see this movie because it will change the way your children think about what they can do and can be.” Muhammad Ali said, “Emmanuel's gift is a gift for all humanity.” If you see it, you might say that it’s the most fascinating, inspiring, positive and uplifting documentary that you’ve ever seen.
This is an incredible story about a young man who was born with a disability in his native country of Ghana. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah is a man who refused to be oppressed by the scorn and hatred that people in his country expressed towards the disabled. Against all odds, Emmanuel has risen like a phoenix from the ashes to become one of the greatest and most powerful ambassadors for the disabled – not only in his country, but around the world.
This extraordinary film was shown in limited release last year and made its rounds around the country to critical acclaim. Starting February 14th, 2006 you'll have the opportunity to purchase the DVD and watch in amazement the perseverance of this phenomenal human being. He’ll be the first to tell you that his courage and inner strength were blessings that were bestowed upon him by his mother.
Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, you'll clearly understand how this compelling story weaves its way to your heart. You’ll find yourself taking an introspective look at your own life and be inspired to do more. Emmanuel’s Gift not only demonstrates his fierce determination and resolve as he persevered to ride a bicycle across his country of 600 kilometers on one leg, but proves that disabled people are capable of achieving much more than living life as beggars on the street.
The film also expands on his personal relationship with Jim MacLaren – a young man who survived two near-fatal accidents. It was ultimately because of MacLaren’s “tragedies,” that Emmanuel was able to enlist support for his journey. Interspersed throughout the film are lively and timely comments by Bob Babbitt, co-publisher of Competitor Magazine and co-founder of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. This foundation was originally started to help MacLaren. Emmanuel asked the CAF for the bicycle that would soon change his life, his country, and the perception of the disabled worldwide.
In 2005 Emmanuel and MacLaren were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at ESPN’s ESPY program. After showing some film clips from this movie, the ESPN cameras scanned the audience and found not a dry eye in the house. This emotion-packed film will be sure to move you as it did with all of the professional athletes in attendance that night.
The film was produced and directed by twin sisters Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern. They are both Emmy Award winners from diverse projects including NBC’s Olympic coverage.
They have brought that drama and cinematography to light in Emmanuel's Gift. On a scale of one to 10, this gets a 10. This film is a home run hit out of the park.
As an added benefit for purchasing the DVD, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Also, for a limited time only when you purchase the DVD you will also receive the “Challenge” green wristband as a keepsake.
Specs:
Title: Emmanuel’s Gift
Category: Documentary
Rating: G
Running Time: 80 minutes
Distributed by: First Look Home Entertainment
Available on: 2/14/06 at Amazon.com and other select retailers.
Websites: www.emmanuelsgift.com and www.firstlookmedia.com
Photo by Sonia Mason
Courtesy of Sue Procko Public Relations
back to top