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The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy

Name: The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy
Director: Daniel Gordon
Released: 2008
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

2008

Director

Daniel Gordon

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film offers a powerful historical perspective by shifting focus from the Western victor to the complex realities faced by an African athlete. It challenges the 'Western Hero' stereotype by centering a Black African protagonist in a traditionally Anglo-Saxon-dominated space. However, the film remains confined to male-dominated historical contexts and does not engage with contemporary issues related to gender or sexual orientation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on the athletic career and political circumstances of John Akii Bua. There is no mention of LGBTQ+ characters or narratives involving non-cisgender identities.

How does The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on male athletic achievements and masculine environments such as Olympic competition and military rule. It lacks strong roles for women and challenges to patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy?

Excellent

The film breaks away from Western-centric sports stories by highlighting a Black African athlete. It challenges traditional dominance by showing Akii Bua's victory over the English favorite.

How does The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy represent religion and culture?

Good

The film addresses post-colonial themes by contrasting Olympic success with the breakdown of Uganda after independence. It depicts the instability of African states under autocratic rulers.

Does The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no mention of physical or cognitive disabilities in the synopsis.

Present on Screen

Breaks away from Western-centric sports narratives by centering a Black African athlete.
Uses individual achievement to critique broader systemic and geopolitical issues.
Highlights the African subject's experience to challenge traditional historical hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

Lacks strong roles for women and challenges to patriarchal structures.
Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Does not address physical or cognitive disabilities.

Official Synopsis

At the Munich Olympics of 1972, John Akii Bua, from the impoverished African country of Uganda, powered round the inside lane in the 400m hurdles, past the English favourite, and reigning Olympic Champion David Hemery, to win the gold medal, 10m clear of the field. John Akii Bua had become the first African to win gold in an event under 800 metres. He was also the first man to break the 48 seconds barrier in the 400 metre hurdles, an event so gruelling its nickname is 'The Mankiller'. This is the story about that amazing triumph - and what happened next. David Hemery retired to respectable fame and fortune, later becoming president of the UK's athletics federation. John Akii Bua returned to a Uganda carving the name of its military "President", Idi Amin, into genocidal notoriety. This is a film about the pinnacle of athletic achievement - and the search to discover what followed.

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