A timely documentary in a world that is increasingly hostile to refugees, filmmaker David Wachsmann's Freedom Runners follows a team of high school kids in Tel Aviv who not only have enough talent in track to consistently win races, but also should easily qualify to represent Israel in international competitions. Yet they are denied their victories and rejected as suitable representatives for the nation because of their uncertain status as asylum-seeking refugees from war and oppression in East Africa. Teacher and track coach Rotem Genossar—who inspires, protects, fights for, and enlightens these students about the bigotry they encounter—can be seen cheering on his top racers one minute, then arguing with officials the next for awarding first-place medals to runners-up. The outrageousness is palpable, but the beating heart of the film lies in the kids themselves, particularly a remarkable girl named Rahel Gebretsadik, who survived a harrowing escape from Eritrea and chafes angrily against the xenophobia she faces. Rahel is a powerful individual who is likely to make waves in life, but as a powerless teen she can only stew helplessly. Freedom Runners would have benefited from a little background context about happenings in Eritrea and Darfur, but the emotions and general harshness of the situation come through all the same—as does the courage of Rotem and his team. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Freedom Runners
(2016) 50 min. In Hebrew w/English subtitles. DVD: $79: public libraries; $300 w/PPR: colleges & universities. Seventh Art Releasing. Volume 33, Issue 2
Freedom Runners
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