SXSW Film Reviews

Emmanuel's Gift

D: Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern

Documentary Feature Spotlight

One out of every 10 Ghanaians is disabled. They are thought to be cursed and are forced to live life as beggars and second-class citizens. Abandoned at birth by his father because of his disability, Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was taught by his mother not to beg and that he could realize any and all of his dreams. After his mother's death, Emmanuel is inspired to ride a bike across Ghana – an astounding 600km – with his one good leg to help raise recognition and to garner support for his nation's disabled population. Oprah Winfrey narrates this story of a man who becomes a hero to his people and an inspiration to all. This beautifully shot documentary follows his tireless efforts to turn around the centuries-old mistreatment of the disabled in his country while setting up grants for education, wheelchairs for the disabled, and bestowing upon his nation's physically challenged a pride and hope that previously didn't exist.

---

Austin Convention Center, 2:15pm