’n Gids vir Louzanne – an exceptional documentary about an extraordinary Paralympic athlete
In the Silwerskerm Festival documentary ’n Gids vir Louzanne, we step into the running shoes of the Bloemfontein long-distance athlete, Louzanne Coetzee. However, before Louzanne can hit the road, there’s always someone tying their laces alongside her.
Louzanne is a blind Paralympic athlete who races with a unique person by her side – a guide who understands and can match her running rhythm, fitness and speed.
Several running buddies have participated with Louzanne in local and international athletics competitions. ’n Gids vir Louzanne also tells their stories, interwoven with the triumphs and disappointments in Louzanne’s remarkable athletic career.
This exceptional documentary is the handiwork of the director-cameraman and husband-and-wife team, Charlene and Eddie Stanley.
Charlene and Louzanne’s paths first crossed in 2014 when Luzanne was a first-year student at the University of the Free State. “At this meeting, Louzanne didn’t even have a glimmer of interest in athletics,” says Charlene.
Two years later Louzanne was a top athlete and world record holder!
Charlene compiled a story for eNews about Louzanne and her guide at the time, Khothatso Mokone’s preparation for the 2016 Paralympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“That someone could go from an absolute beginner to the highest heights of a very competitive sport in such a short time, spoke volumes about Louzanne’s determination and dedication. But that’s just who she is. ‘Impossible’ is not in her vocabulary,” says Charlene.
The special bond between Louzanne and Khothatso – the way they ran so effortlessly in absolute tandem with so much trust in each other, also fascinated Charlene.
Unfortunately, much to the shock of everyone who was rooting for Louzanne and Khothatso, they were disqualified in the 1,500m race. Khothatso unknowingly led her in a way that is not permissible according to the rules of the Games.
But at the 2021 Paralympic Games, Louzanne bounced back with a silver medal and a new African record in the 1,500m. She then completed the T12 women’s marathon in world record time and brought home a bronze medal.
“It made me look at the guide-and-blind-athlete relationship with new eyes. The story simply had to be told and a kykNET Silwerskerm Festival documentary was the ideal opportunity for it,” says Charlene.
In ’n Gids vir Louzanne, Khothatso for the first time speaks candidly on camera about the heart-breaking events at the Rio Games. We also meet the other guides, including Claus Kempen, who assists her during marathons.
In addition to looking at Louzanne and her guides’ track and training sessions, we also learn about her brave and compassionate personal life. She is a university dorm mother.
And before the end credits roll, there’s a surprise for Louzanne that will warm viewers’ hearts.
’n Gids vir Louzanne screens at the festival on Wednesday 23 August at 12:30 and will be available on kykNET and Showmax thereafter.