The last American officials were airlifted out of Vietnam from the embassy roof in Saigon in 1975. Most have never returned. In 1998, World T.E.A.M. (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) Sports organized a 16-day, 1100 mile bicycle expedition through once war-torn Northern and Southern Vietnam. A non-profit organization that focuses on events for the disabled, World T.E.A.M. Sports drew an array of veterans from the U.S. and Vietnam, as well as celebrity riders like Greg La Monde and Senator John Kerry. Those without use of their legs used special hand-powered bikes, while blind riders pedaled from the back of tandem bikes. What is immediately apparent on the veterans' arrival in Vietnam is that their biggest handicaps are the ghosts of their pasts. Past enemies ride as one team in peace across a landscape they once killed to stay alive on. Much more than a race, the ride is an exorcism; the real finish line is the painful emotional confrontation each must make alone along the way.
120 minutes
Kartemquin screenings this week
April 20, 2008
A reminder to join us for two Kartemquin screenings this week...
First, Kartemquin's first film, Home for Life is screening on Wednesday night the 23rd at 7:30pm in Evanston as a part of the REELTIME series. Read about it in the Chicago Reader. Join filmmakers Gordon Quinn and Jerry Temaner for this evening of documentary and discussion. Get the details
Also, Vietnam Long Time Coming, is screening on Saturday night the 26th at 5:45pm at the Hyde Park Art Center as a part of their Creative Move event. Director Jerry Blumenthal will introduce the film and answer questions afterwards. Get the details.
We hope you can join us!
- Executive Producers
- Jim Benson
- Paulette Douglas
- Steve Whisnant
- Sports Illustrated
- World T.E.A.M. Sports
- Producers
- Jerry Blumenthal
- Peter Gilbert
- Gordon Quinn
- Kartemquin Films
- Long Shot Films
- Co-Producer
- Adam Singer
“Vietnam: Long Time Coming registers as a heroic and essential piece of filmmaking that will surely be cherished in years to come.”
—-Jonathan Rosembaum, Chicago Reader
Directors Guild Awards, 1998 – Outstanding Directorial Achievement
National Society of Television Arts and Sciences- Emmy for Outstanding Program Achievement, 1998
National Society of Film Critics, 1998 – Nominee, Best Documentary
Emmy Awards, 1998 – Nominee, Sports Emmy for Program Achievement