Freedom Runners Screening of the Award Winning Documentary “Desert Runners”
In conjunction with the Sports Science Institute of SA
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Media release
For Immediate Release
Monday 25 February 2014
The 99 minute documentary “Desert Runners” is about a diverse cast of non-professional runners attempting to complete the most difficult ultra-marathon race series on Earth. Their dramatic journey takes them across the world’s most picturesque yet brutal landscapes, pushing their bodies, hearts and spirits through a myriad of external and internal obstacles. DESERT RUNNERS delves into the mindset of the Ultra-athletes and the complex ways in which human beings deal with both heartbreak and triumph.
Freedom Runners, Samantha Gash and Mimi Anderson will be screening this unique documentary at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa on 15 April 2014. All proceeds from the evening will be going to establish a social enterprise business that will provide menstruation products and education for school girls and women in the Free State’s Namahadi Community.
Experienced ultra – runners Gash and Anderson jumped into action after learning that around two thirds of women and girls in SA do not have access to sanitary products, while a third of girls are too ashamed to attend school during menstruation because of the lack of access and social stigmas.
On 26 September 2014, these two will begin their 33-day crossing of the unforgiving Freedom Trail in South Africa, to raise R560,000. Using running as a vehicle for social change, every step of the women’s 80km per day journey will leave a trail of awareness, courage, inspiration and support for their project that aims to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of SA’s young women, improve their education, which in turn leads to healthier relationships, families, communities, and ultimately, a healthier and more economical South Africa. The Freedom Runners have joined forces with the global NGO – “Save the Children”, to begin addressing this problem in affected communities.
“Desert runners” will be screened Tuesday 15 April 2014 at the Sports Science Institute South Africa’s Auditorium, Boundary Road, Newlands, Cape Town. A cash bar will be available on arrival at 17h30 – with the screening starting at 18h00 sharp. Purchase tickets at www.webtickets.co.za/ssisa for R75.
