Synopsis
“Ultra” offers an inspiring and intimate portrait of undefeated ultra-endurance cyclist, Abdullah Zeinab, as he prepares for his biggest challenge to date, the 4000 kilometre Transcontinental Race across Europe.
Abdullah is an enigma in ultra-endurance cycling. A filmmaker turned plant based athlete who’s won every race he’s entered to date.
This race will be the ultimate test of mind, body and spirit, and Abdullah looks not only to win, but to use this extreme feat of endurance as a catalyst to explore the depths of his inner self.
‘Ultra’ is not a film about cycling, it’s a film about the lengths one will go to in the pursuit of purpose, meaning and happiness. It is ultimately an exploration of the human condition, delving into the complex tapestry of emotions that shape our existence. At its core, “Ultra” explores the universal struggle with feeling inadequate and the modern-day endemic fuelled by the expectations generated through social media.
Story
This story offers unique access into the world of ultra endurance cycling and an in-depth psychological portrait of Abdullah Zeinab – Australia’s only undefeated ultra endurance cyclist. Captured against stunning European backdrops, this is not a film about a race but a film about human frailty and a metaphor for our shared struggle with feeling inadequate. It’s a film that explores the search for external validation and our struggles with feeling empty.
In this story, Abdullah has come full circle – from a filmmaker who documented the inaugural Intercontinental Race to being a participant.
An observational verité documentary for the most part but with purposeful poetic interludes highlighting the diverse landscapes, the extreme solitude and the relentless self talk, playing with the concept of Abdullah’s mind being its own character in the story, giving viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves fully and relate to Abdullah’s fatalistic yet human desire to be more than he is.
Production Stage
- Development
- Production
- Post-production
- Completed
- Outreach
DURATION: 90 MINUTES
Issue area
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