"Rising from Ashes" is a documentary about cyclist Jock Boyer and his efforts to train a team of Rwandan cyclists. Jock was the first American to ever compete in cycling's most prestigious event, the Tour de France in the early 1980's. After returning home from his successful career overseas, Jock fell into legal trouble. His career plummeted. In 2006, he was approached by a former friend to travel to Rwanda and train a team of cyclists to compete in worldwide events. While the film suggests that Team Rwanda brought hope to a country, we never really see it happen. The narrative focuses largely on Jock and his journey. Events are seen almost completely from his perspective. "Ashes" never seems to really show us anything about Rwanda, and in that sense, the film ends up feeling a bit skewed and shallow.
Rising from Ashes
Rising from Ashes
Rising from Ashes
"Rising from Ashes" is a documentary about cyclist Jock Boyer and his efforts to train a team of Rwandan cyclists. Jock was the first American to ever compete in cycling's most prestigious event, the Tour de France in the early 1980's. After returning home from his successful career overseas, Jock fell into legal trouble. His career plummeted. In 2006, he was approached by a former friend to travel to Rwanda and train a team of cyclists to compete in worldwide events. While the film suggests that Team Rwanda brought hope to a country, we never really see it happen. The narrative focuses largely on Jock and his journey. Events are seen almost completely from his perspective. "Ashes" never seems to really show us anything about Rwanda, and in that sense, the film ends up feeling a bit skewed and shallow.