The powerful new Australian feature documentary Legacy – A Ride to Conquer Motor Neurone Disease – will launch a premiere screening tour starting on the East Coast, via TUGG cinema on demand with special filmmaker Q&As in May 2016.
The film, directed by Tony Prescott and produced by Dinusha Ratnaweera, follows the inspirational story of doctor Ian Davis, and father of two Scott Sullivan who are both battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Mounted on a custom-built tandem bike as one man’s arms are failing the other’s legs are failing, together they’re one whole man. These two courageous men embark on an epic journey down the East Coast of Australia to raise awareness of MND and reflect on the mark they will leave behind.
Launching on the East Coast the film tour will partner with the MND and Me Foundation’s Million Metres for MND Ride from Brisbane to Sydney, where a peloton of riders will recreate the same cycling journey from Sydney to Brisbane that Ian Davis and Scott Sullivan undertook in the film. Screening events featuring panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As will happen in towns along the ride from 22-28 May.
Other premiere screenings with filmmaker Q&As will be held earlier in May in Byron Bay (12 May), Sydney (16 May) and Melbourne (17 May). The screenings will seek to raise awareness and funds to support MND research.
Legacy – A Ride to Conquer MND Director Tony Prescott said, “It feels powerful to be launching the film with the Million Metres for MND Ride and screening the film in the communities we visited with Ian and Scott during production. It’s an opportunity to experience and honour Ian and Scott’s journey, celebrate their remarkable achievements and raise awareness for MND.
“There is an urgent need to find a cure for MND and we need characters that are going to evoke empathy and inspire change. With an average life expectancy of 2.5 years, people with MND often don’t live long enough to really impact the wider community. Both Scott and Ian are remarkable men who vowed that while they still had a voice they would shout for all those MND sufferers who can’t speak anymore.
I hope the film inspires people to not only get active in the campaign to find a cure for MND but also ask themselves what’s important in life and what legacy will I leave?,” said Prescott.
Paul Olds, CEO of the MND and Me Foundation and the organiser of the ride is still in awe of Scott and Ian’s determination to finish the ride. “These guys were amazing and just so inspiring. They got on that bike every day with no complaints, determined to reach the next destination. As soon as they were off the bike they spent hours interacting with the public. Nothing was too difficult, smiles were always present and their time was freely given no matter how exhausted they were.” said Olds.
Watch the film trailer at legacyfilm.com.au/trailer
For further information about the Byron screening visit www.tugg.com/events/95840