“Emmanuel’s Gift,” an Oprah Narrated Film, Tells of Paraplegic’s Life-Changing Bike Ride

If you are born with a disability in Ghana, West Africa you are likely to be poisoned, or left to die by your family; if you are not poisoned or left for dead, you’re likely to be hidden away in a room; and if you’re not hidden, you are destined to spend your lifetime begging on the streets. Of the twenty million who live in Ghana, two million are people with disabilities. This is the story of one such man whose mission—and purpose—is to change all that forever.

In “Emmanuel’s Gift,” filmmakers Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have uncovered a story as compelling as it is important. Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, the film chronicles the life of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, a young Ghanaian man born with a severely deformed right leg, who today, against incalculable odds, is opening minds, hearts and doors—and effecting social and political change throughout his country.

While Emmanuel’s message is vital—People with disabilities are valuable contributors to any society—his method is inspirational. With only one leg, Emmanuel begins his courageous quest with a 600-kilometer bicycle ride across Ghana, spreading his vision of grit and resolve with each turn of the bike’s pedals. Lisa Lax and Nancy Stern have been documenting Emmanuel’s plight for more than two years, having shot more than 400 hours of powerful footage.

The film includes original footage shot in Ghana, California, Oregon and New York, as well as photographs and other acquired film and video of Emmanuel’s early years. Through it all, they have created an intimate insight into the mind and heart of a courageous visionary, one whose unforgettable journey transcends continents and cultures to become a vision shared by each of us.

Emmanuel’s Gift is showing in Chicago, New York and San Diego theaters, and will open Nov. 4th in Atlanta. Visit www.emmanuelsgift.com for theater information.