Company: Blink Pictures PTY Ltd
Country: SOUTH AFRICA
Section: DOCUMENTARY TEAM SPORT
Discipline: Rugby
Year: 2014
Director: Odette Schwegler
Editing: Odette Schwegler, Sharron Hawkes, Jan Potgieter, Petri Kleynhans
Actors: Franco Booysens, Liam Schwegler, Christian Schwegler, Riley Schwegler, Jarod Smith, Donovan Lottering, Richard Pinkney
Photography: Michael Yelseth, Ian Miller, Natalie Haarhof, Thomas Pretorius
Soundtrack: “Mr Number 9” – Sumi Botha, “Folsom Prison Blues” – Composed & performed by Johnny Cash
Producer: Executive Producers: Joost van der Westhuizen, Odette Schwegler; kykNET E. P.:Jan du Plesses, Karen Meiring, Annike Villet
Coproducer: Michael Yelseth, John Webb, H.R.H
Time: 86 min
Projection: Thursday 17 November – 15.00 – Sala Colonne
Watch the trailer
Synopsis
Known for years as the “golden boy “of SA Rugby, the world reeled in shock in April 2011 when the news broke that Joost van der Westhuizen had been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The disease attacked the central nervous system, causing progressive disability. There is no known cure. His game-changing prowess as a rugby player is now galvanized in a battle for survival and, more importantly, to make a difference to the lives of others with the disease. Despite specialist assurance that he’d be in a wheelchair in a year and not likely to see his 42th Birthday, Joost not only celebrated in style, but took to the skies, travelling internationally with his “J9 Foundation” to meet the great minds who are working to find a cure. Joost’s quest for a cure is relentless and his spirit has motivated those around him to champion the cause…because in spite of the adversity he has faced, Joost remains a man to envy.