AUTUMN GOLD is an absolutely charming film that soars triumphantly above all the hackneyed sports movies you’ve ever seen. Five European athletes are training for the 2009 World Masters track and field championships in Finland. They stretch, lift weights, and jog around parks. They explain their dietary plans and reminisce about former wins and losses. Sound pretty ho-hum so far? It’s not. These athletes are all between 83 and 100 years old, and a more astonishing group you’ve never met. Jiri runs up five stories in a minute and then pauses to dole out some wisdom on life. Gabre, an Italian beauty in full make-up and jewelry, throws her discus with her sunglasses perched on her head scarf. Herbert is 90 and runs the 100m sprint. Shot-putter Ilse dances around her living room like she was 45 and not 85. Alfred, a Viennese discus thrower and a designer for 80 years, sketches a nude model at 100. Though they’ve been athletes all their lives — Gabre and Alfred even competed in the 1936 Olympics — their positive attitudes and refusal to slow down are keys to their vitality. Come on, shake a leg and get inspired. (In Czech, German, Italian, and English with subtitles)—B.B.
| Sidebars | Standing Up Competition, Global Health |
| Producer | Christian Beetz |
| Cinematography | Marcus Winterbauer |
| Editing | Jürgen Winkelblech |
| Principal Cast | Alfred Proksch, Gabre Gabric, Herbert Liedke, Ilse Pleuger, Jirí Soukup |
| Director Bio | Jan Tenhaven is a writer and director of documentaries and television programs. Currently he works in the Arts & Science Department at MDR television in Leipzig as well as for Gebrueder Beetz Filmproduktion in Berlin. |
| Select Filmography | AUTUMN GOLD (2010) |
| Print Source |
Films Transit info@filmstransit.com www.filmstransit.com |
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