Award-winning documentary, The Secret Marathon, to screen in Kingston
Next week, Kingston audiences have the opportunity to view The Secret Marathon — an award-winning documentary film, which tells the inspiring story of the first woman in Afghanistan to run a marathon.
“We were heartbroken to hear the news that the Taliban had taken over Afghanistan. Many of our friends and contacts are still not safe and are facing threats due to promoting gender equality,” stated Kate McKenzie, The Secret Marathon Film Co-Director.
“Seeing the influx of new Afghan refugees to Canada, we felt now was the time to share with the world a different perspective about Afghanistan through our film. Oftentimes, the only things we hear about Afghanistan are stories of war, poverty and terrorism yet it is a beautiful country with resilient and hospitable people.”
The film inspired a global run/walk event The Secret 3K. According to a release from The Secret 3K, Kingston is one of the marquee locations of the event and on Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023, on International Women’s Day, hundreds of people in Kingston, and thousands across the world will lace up their runners to show their support for everyone’s right to run free.
Tarra Williamson, the National Race Director of The Secret 3K, resides in Kingston and shared, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to screen this phenomenal documentary here in Kingston. You don’t need to be a runner to appreciate this story of resilience.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, the film will be screened at The Screening Room in downtown Kingston. Tickets to the screening can be purchased online at https://www.secret3k.com/
The Secret Marathon film has raised over $100,000 for charities including Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, the Afghan Sports Trust, and 261 Fearless, all of whom create opportunities for women in education and sport. The film was created in collaboration with Afghan cultural advisors and all Afghans featured in the film have communicated their support for sharing the film more widely, according to the release.
Visit The Secret Marathon website to learn more and to watch the trailer.