- Untold Stories Of Athletes And Niche Sports From Around The World -
The Athletic Coup was born out of a desire to uncover the hidden gems of the athletic world, including motivational amateur athlete stories and niche sports.
Through the art of film, the film festival brings to life the passion, dedication and triumphs of athletes from all walks of life, inspiring audiences to dream big and strive for greatness.
After a year of selecting films from around the world, the first edition of the festival is now announced to take place in Athens, Greece on May 21, 2024. The partnering venue is at the prestigious Technopolis City of Athens, an old gasworks plant in the center of Athens that has been transformed into one of the most renowned cultural hubs in the city.
From the Official Selections, the following films will be shown:
REBOUND - Documentary - THE ATHLETIC COUP FESTIVAL WINNER
Sebastien Bellin, a former professional basketball player, is on his way to New York, departing from Brussels Airport. As he was receiving his boarding pass, a bomb exploded in the Brussels airport. As he runs toward security, a second bomb explodes a few feet away. Bellin nearly died in a terrorist attack on March 22, 2016.
With some luck and help, he survives and keeps his legs after 13 surgeries. We see him thanking the Greek doctor who saved him. Six years later, Bellin completes the Ironman Triathlon of Hawaii as a disabled athlete.
Directed by: Tim Vervoort, Vincent Stevens, Gilles Simonet Watertower TV Productions
Country of origin: Belgium
IAN - Short
This short documentary follows the remarkable journey of 72-year-old Australian climber, Ian Elliott. Ian's extraordinary climbing ability defies age stereotypes, showcasing his resilience and challenging societal perceptions.
Directed by: Matt Raimondo
Country of Origin: Australia
HOME OCEAN - Short
The story of a man raised by the ocean in Brazil. Ocean athlete Joao Daniel Edde developed a unique connection with the water and developed admirable skills, whether underwater or gliding over it.
Directed by: Felipe Eisenberger
Country of Origin: Brazil
ULTIMATE CITIZENS - Documentary
In ULTIMATE CITIZENS, Jamshid is an Iranian who came to study in 1970’s America, and due to the Revolution, never went “home.” As a guidance counselor in Seattle Public Schools, Jamshid’s best work takes place out of the building and on a playing field with “his kids,” the children of refugees and immigrants. Their parents are in the grips of their own struggles to make a living and a home in a strange land. Mr. Jamshid is the charismatic, fiery, funny human with a Frisbee in hand, who is the first to show that "love wins" on the field, off the field, at home with family, or boldly forging a new community, in a new country - one kid, chicken, extreme mile and friend at a time.
Jamshid not only practices sports (Ultimate Frisbee) with the children he serves as a school counselor to promote mental health, he has also embarked on a sports journey himself as a means of dealing with the difficult stories of the children he serves. What started with a swim in the lake became a journey of winning competitions in various solo sports.
Directed by: Francine Strickwerda
Country of Origin: USA
Running on earth’s roof: the Everest Marathon - Documentary
Every year, 200 runners brave the cold, glaciers and trails of Nepal's Khumbu massif to meet at Everest Base Camp (5300m) and take part in the world's highest marathon.
Gabriel, Mathieu and Elyar, 3 childhood friends and office workers from Paris and London, take on the challenge of running and finishing this high altitude race despite their relative inexperience in trail running.
The film follows their preparation, the 11-day trek to base camp and the race on D-Day, along with testimonials from athletes around the world and interviews with the organizers of this legendary event.
Directed by: Gabriel du Chalard de Taveau
Country of Origin: France
Most filmmakers and cast will be present for a filmmaker panel after the screenings.
Founder and Festival Director Melanie Marten says, "When we embarked on this journey to create a new film festival celebrating amateur athletes, we weren't sure if there was content out there beyond the professional sports stories. But we were overwhelmed by the emotional and motivational film submissions we received, and we are honored to be able to showcase them at the Technopolis Amphitheater, in a former gas holder turned auditorium, in a historic area of Athens that has been transformed into a hub of innovation, entertainment and culture. We also could not be more grateful that the filmmakers and the cast are supporting us with their personal presence".
THE ATHLETIC COUP film festival • 21st May 2024
Technopolis City of Athens Gasholder 1 – Auditorium Miltiadis Evert
Tickets are available at coupfilmfest.com
The Athletic Coup was born out of a desire to uncover the hidden gems of the athletic world, including motivational amateur athlete stories and niche sports.
Through the art of film, the film festival brings to life the passion, dedication and triumphs of athletes from all walks of life, inspiring audiences to dream big and strive for greatness.
After a year of selecting films from around the world, the first edition of the festival is now announced to take place in Athens, Greece on May 21, 2024. The partnering venue is at the prestigious Technopolis City of Athens, an old gasworks plant in the center of Athens that has been transformed into one of the most renowned cultural hubs in the city.
From the Official Selections, the following films will be shown:
REBOUND - Documentary - THE ATHLETIC COUP FESTIVAL WINNER
Sebastien Bellin, a former professional basketball player, is on his way to New York, departing from Brussels Airport. As he was receiving his boarding pass, a bomb exploded in the Brussels airport. As he runs toward security, a second bomb explodes a few feet away. Bellin nearly died in a terrorist attack on March 22, 2016.
With some luck and help, he survives and keeps his legs after 13 surgeries. We see him thanking the Greek doctor who saved him. Six years later, Bellin completes the Ironman Triathlon of Hawaii as a disabled athlete.
Directed by: Tim Vervoort, Vincent Stevens, Gilles Simonet Watertower TV Productions
Country of origin: Belgium
IAN - Short
This short documentary follows the remarkable journey of 72-year-old Australian climber, Ian Elliott. Ian's extraordinary climbing ability defies age stereotypes, showcasing his resilience and challenging societal perceptions.
Directed by: Matt Raimondo
Country of Origin: Australia
HOME OCEAN - Short
The story of a man raised by the ocean in Brazil. Ocean athlete Joao Daniel Edde developed a unique connection with the water and developed admirable skills, whether underwater or gliding over it.
Directed by: Felipe Eisenberger
Country of Origin: Brazil
ULTIMATE CITIZENS - Documentary
In ULTIMATE CITIZENS, Jamshid is an Iranian who came to study in 1970’s America, and due to the Revolution, never went “home.” As a guidance counselor in Seattle Public Schools, Jamshid’s best work takes place out of the building and on a playing field with “his kids,” the children of refugees and immigrants. Their parents are in the grips of their own struggles to make a living and a home in a strange land. Mr. Jamshid is the charismatic, fiery, funny human with a Frisbee in hand, who is the first to show that "love wins" on the field, off the field, at home with family, or boldly forging a new community, in a new country - one kid, chicken, extreme mile and friend at a time.
Jamshid not only practices sports (Ultimate Frisbee) with the children he serves as a school counselor to promote mental health, he has also embarked on a sports journey himself as a means of dealing with the difficult stories of the children he serves. What started with a swim in the lake became a journey of winning competitions in various solo sports.
Directed by: Francine Strickwerda
Country of Origin: USA
Running on earth’s roof: the Everest Marathon - Documentary
Every year, 200 runners brave the cold, glaciers and trails of Nepal's Khumbu massif to meet at Everest Base Camp (5300m) and take part in the world's highest marathon.
Gabriel, Mathieu and Elyar, 3 childhood friends and office workers from Paris and London, take on the challenge of running and finishing this high altitude race despite their relative inexperience in trail running.
The film follows their preparation, the 11-day trek to base camp and the race on D-Day, along with testimonials from athletes around the world and interviews with the organizers of this legendary event.
Directed by: Gabriel du Chalard de Taveau
Country of Origin: France
Most filmmakers and cast will be present for a filmmaker panel after the screenings.
Founder and Festival Director Melanie Marten says, "When we embarked on this journey to create a new film festival celebrating amateur athletes, we weren't sure if there was content out there beyond the professional sports stories. But we were overwhelmed by the emotional and motivational film submissions we received, and we are honored to be able to showcase them at the Technopolis Amphitheater, in a former gas holder turned auditorium, in a historic area of Athens that has been transformed into a hub of innovation, entertainment and culture. We also could not be more grateful that the filmmakers and the cast are supporting us with their personal presence".
THE ATHLETIC COUP film festival • 21st May 2024
Technopolis City of Athens Gasholder 1 – Auditorium Miltiadis Evert
Tickets are available at coupfilmfest.com
