The Tribeca Film Festival awarded Rise: The Siya Kolisi story, which tells the narrative of the Springbok captain’s rise from modest origins to dominating rugby and creating history. During the festival, which ran from Wednesday, June 7, to Sunday, June 18, the film won the audience award.
Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story details the rugby sensation’s origins in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, his education at Grey College, and how he dominated athletics while shedding light on his dark side, overcoming defeat, and facing his demons. When Kolisi became the first Black man to serve as captain of the nation’s rugby team in 2018 and led the Springboks to victory in the 2019 World Cup in Japan, he made history.
“I hope my journey inspired people to chase their dreams and remind others to never allow adverse circumstances to define our lives. We are more than products of our environments, and we have the potential to change our respective narratives. Our win at Tribeca is very important to me and my team, and we are excited about how far this film travels across the world and maybe make it to the academy”, said Kolisi.
“As a director, I am very particular and intentional with the stories I get to tell, and there was nothing I wanted more than to tell Siya’s story in the manner in which we told it,” he further said. Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story can be streamed on Showmax.
