THE SECRET MARATHON film has it's world premiere in Sudbury on September 22nd at Cinéfest and will be premiering at the Edmonton International Film Festival on October 4th, with more festivals to be announced soon.
Inspired by a story of courage, a filmmaker and her legendary marathon mentor train and travel in secret to join the brave Afghan women who are standing up for equality and freedom, by running in the Marathon of Afghanistan.
The film, which has been years in the making, follows director Kate McKenzie and Guinness World record holder Martin Parnell as they train and travel to Afghanistan to run alongside the brave women who chose to run despite the dangers they face.
Kate is based in Calgary, Martin in Cochrane and Scott Townend (co-director and producer) in Edmonton so we thought this was a great Alberta story.
The film, which has been years in the making, follows Director Kate McKenzie and Guinness World record holder Martin Parnell as they train and travel to Afghanistan to run alongside the brave women who chose to run despite the dangers they face.
Kate is based in Calgary, Martin is in Cochrane and Scott Townend (co-director and producer) in based in Edmonton. Scott actually got his filmmaking start with EIFF winning their first ever 24/ONE filmmaking challenge right out of film school, so this is full-circle for him.
The film does not stand alone, it also inspired The Secret Marathon 3K run, which takes place annually across the country to raise money and bring awareness to the obstacles some women face in sports.
Screening Details:
Sudbury Cinéfest World Premiere September 22nd @11am
Edmonton International Film Festival October 4th @ 7pm
Director: Kate McKenzie
When the first Afghan woman stood up for her freedom and ran in the Marathon of Afghanistan, she started a movement for equality that spread around the world. Zainab’s story inspired legendary marathon runner, Martin Parnell, to imagine what his life might be like if his gender prevented him from going outside to run. Martin vowed to run in the Marathon of Afghanistan the following year to support Zainab, and partnered with filmmaker and first time marathoner, Kate McKenzie, to tell the story. To avoid making the marathon a target for terrorist attack, they must train, and travel to Afghanistan in secret, where they will uncover unexpected beauty, incredible hardships, and the amazing people who stand for change. This is the story of the brave Afghan women who are risking it all for the freedom to run.
"A BEAUTFIL STORY OF INSPIRATION AND SPORT BRINGING A COMMON GOAL TO LIFE ." - I'm Here With Mag
Nicola Pender
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