This is my moment
Directed by Lieven Corthouts, 2024
Main Info
Creative documentary
Synopsis
Biniam Girmay, a 17 year old promising cyclist from the African country Eritrea, dreams of one day riding the Tour de France, the most prestigious Grand Tour in the world.
For years he thought the Tour was only for European or white cyclists, as over its more than 100 editions, only a handful of the participants were black.
Biniam’s evolving performances give a rare insight into cycling in Africa.
But to make it into an international Pro Team, Europe’s visa procedures are a constant hassle. And once he marries in Eritrea and becomes a father, the distance of 6.000kms takes its toll. Against all odds, Biniam climbs up the international rankings. When at age 21, he wins his first ‘Classic’, he proves African riders can win big races. He becomes a cycling hero overnight, but can he change cycling forever?
‘This is my moment’ gives a unique insight into Biniam Girmay’s climb to success and to adulthood. For more than six years, Lieven Corthouts was the only friend and filmmaker allowed to film Biniam's life in Eritrea as well as in Europe. Having Biniam also filming with a vlogging camera, they have made this film together in a co-creation process.
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Credits
Director Lieven Corthouts
Editor Dieter Diependaele
DOP Lieven Corthouts
Sound Pedro Van der Eecken
Original music Lander Gyselinck and Hihats In Trees
Additional photography Biniam Girmay Hailu
Camera Grégoire Verbeke
Editor TV version Tania Goldenberg
Additional Editing Tom Fassaert
Producers Emmy Oost & Magalie Dierick for Cassette for timescapes
Co-produced by Magellan Films, Little Big Story, Een van de jongens, Stenola Productions
With the support of The Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), the Netherlands Film Fund, Belgian Development Cooperation, Creative Europe MEDIA of the European Union, the Center of Cinema and Audiovisual of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in partnership with CNC (development), RTS Radio Télévision Suisse, The Pascal Decroos Fund, The Tax Shelter of the Belgian Federal Government, ARTE G.E.I.E., VRT, RTBF – Unité Documentaire, EOdocs, Al Jazeera Documentary Channel
Selections
When East Meets West 2020
IDFA FORUM 2020
ReConnext 2020
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2020
EBU Pitch 2022