fnorful Usually movies about Africa (especially documentaries) tell a story with some combination of despair, misogyny, genocide, racism, hatred and/or violence. This tells us about the culture of abandonment and marginalization extended to physically handicapped people in the West African country of Ghana.We follow Emmanuel's story of determination in the face of long odds to become a full citizen, working to support his family rather than being a burden. It's certainly uplifting and surprising in that it relates his success at becoming not only a successful man, but also a humanitarian and politically astute spokesperson for the handicapped population.A fairly slick presentation, the film moves along well with Oprah Winfrey's narration and various clips showing his journey. It's a good film to take a family to for its social awareness potential and a nice deliberately-told story.

John Sexton Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah shows us in this film what it means to confront fear, obstacles, and challenges, and overcome. This man, in spite of being born without one full leg, being abandoned by his father, and cast aside in a country where the disabled are shunned and ignored, decided on one course of action. And that was to become the best he could at whatever God put in front of him. He redefines what it means to be disabled and let things get in the way of becoming the person you want to be. Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have given us a lovely and inspiring portrait of a unique man. All of us so blessed with opportunities and unparalleled blessings would do well to watch, learn, and be humbled. The Free Wheelchair distribution scene Emmanuel organized for the people in his own home town is some of the most disturbing and touching video you can watch. Emmanuel long ago stopped thinking of himself. His heart is so outwardly focused that his example can only make us better people ourselves.

annecan I recently saw Emmanuel's Gift at the Port Townsend Film Festival, and was amazed at both the tenacity and beauty with which this film was crafted. It not only told Emmanuel's true story, but unveiled for the rest of us the hearts of several new worlds -- Ghana's familial, cultural and political climates, the joys and camaraderie of a global family of "handicapped" athletes, and the world of one confident, determined young man. Beautifully filmed and produced. Masterfully researched and reported. As with the new wave of documentaries making their way to mainstream theaters, Emmanuel's Gift is visually, technically and narratively top notch. First-class film-making and a world-class young man. I would recommend this movie to anyone.

jennifer-274 This is an incredible film. telling a story that Hollywood couldn't hope to imagine. An amazing effort for first time feature directors. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah is the main focus of the film, a man who rode his bicycle (donated by the Challenged Athletes Foundation) across Ghana to prove to his countrymen that the disabled can make valuable contributions to society. In addition, Rudy Garcia Tolson and Jim Maclaren share their incredible stories. Guaranteed you will leaves this film feeling differently about the world than when you went in. This film proves that a documentary can be cinematic ally beautiful as well as tell a thematically compelling Not to be missed. Oh, and bring tissues.