The new documentary directed by Adrian Buitenhuis examines Rick Hansen's globe-circling wheelchair journey and its untold story.
The documentary titled ‘Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story’ is scheduled for its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival (TIFF) on September 11, 2026. Directed by Adrian Buitenhuis, it explores the extraordinary quest undertaken by Rick Hansen, a Canadian athlete and activist who circled the globe in a wheelchair during the 1980s to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the documentary delves into Hansen's monumental journey, known as the Man in Motion tour, which took place over 26 months beginning in 1984. Utilizing private audio diaries recorded by Hansen at the age of 27, along with previously unseen archival footage, the film aims to uncover aspects of the journey that the media did not capture at the time.
Buitenhuis notes that the film intends to illustrate the struggles and challenges of Hansen's journey, highlighting the emotional depth of his experiences and the role of his physiotherapist and girlfriend, Amanda Reid, who supported him throughout the tour. The documentary includes private reflections from both Hansen and Reid, emphasizing the growth of their relationship against the backdrop of significant physical and emotional challenges.
The documentary seeks to unveil not just Hansen’s athletic accomplishments but also the human experiences within this monumental undertaking. It recounts the difficult logistics involved in completing a world tour without modern conveniences like GPS or cell phones, illustrating the teamwork and camaraderie crucial for survival and success. Derik Murray, the producer, highlighted this aspect, questioning how small a team can be while managing such a large endeavor.
Additionally, the film references key figures like music producer David Foster, who helped compose the song “Man in Motion” for the St. Elmo's Fire soundtrack, further enriching the narrative of Hansen’s journey.
Buitenhuis remarked on the raw honesty expressed in the private recordings, capturing the emotional and physical toll that Hansen and his team experienced. The documentary aims to foster a deeper understanding of these challenges, laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive conversation about spinal cord injuries—a mission that Hansen has championed since the success of his tour.
Following its TIFF debut, ‘Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story’ is set to screen at the Vancouver Film Festival, increasing regional visibility of Hansen’s story in his hometown, where his extraordinary journey both began and concluded.
As the documentary prepares for its premiere, it holds the potential to reignite conversations about disability rights, accessibility, and community support for those affected by spinal cord injuries while honoring Rick Hansen’s legacy and commitment to advocacy. The filmmakers and Hansen himself view this project not just as a recounting of past achievements but as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and awareness within society.
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