Prince Harry Says The World Needs This Movie Right Now
Prince Harry has spent much of 2020 making plans to improve the world. After his and Meghan Markle’s exit from royal duties, they launched the Archewell charity. While they spend time setting up Archewell and raising awareness for Black Lives Matter and coronavirus (COVID-19) relief, little things can make a difference.
The Duke of Sussex gave an interview for the documentary film Rising Phoenix. In a statement he released through Netflix, Prince Harry says the world needs this movie. Read what he said below. Rising Phoenix is now streaming on Netflix.
Why Prince Harry says the world needs ‘Rising Phoenix’
Rising Phoenix is the story of the Paralympic Games. The filmmakers profile such competitors as Italian fencer Bebe Vio, American archer Matt Stutzman, Australian swimmer Ellie Cole, French runner Jean-Baptiste Alaize, British runner Jonny Peacock, Chinese weight lifter Cui Zhe, American wheelchair racer Tatyana Mcfadden, Australian wheelchair Rugby player Ryley Batt and South African runner Ntando Mahlangu.
“Rising Phoenix is a story that the world needs right now,” Prince Harry’s statement read. “We are confronted by the true power of the human spirit and the sheer strength of mind to overcome and achieve what most would deem impossible.”
Prince Harry’s role in ‘Rising Phoenix’
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games. Wounded, sick or injured miltiary veterans compete in events like sitting volleyball, wheelchair rugby, 100-metre, wheelchair basketball and five other events.
Rising Phoenix chronicles the history that led to the Paralympic Games. It began with using sports to help rehabilitate wounded veterans. The Duke of Sussex speaks to the value of sports in healing, and discusses the history of sport for the disabled, along with International Paralympic Committee Former President Philip Craven, former CEO Xavi Gonzalez and President Andrew Parsons.
‘Rising Phoenix’ proves the message of the Invictus Games too
Rising Phoenix follows the above athletes in different Paralympic Games at different years. The 2016 Rio Paralympics almost didn’t happen, and each athlete experienced a triumph or disappointment in their own event. In his statement, Harry hoped those athletic stories inspire everyone who watches the film in 2020.
“It proves that sport is much more than a physical skill,” Prince Harry said. “It is purpose and drive, community and comradery, ambition and self-worth. These athletes are not only a credit to their countries and to their sport, they are also a true testament to human endeavour, and the epitome of resilience.”
Perhaps ‘Rising Phoenix’ can tide fans over until Prince Harry’s next Invictus Games
Prince Harry had to postpone the 2020 Invictus Games due to the pandemic. They could not compete in May, so have postponed the event to 2021. At the time, the Duke of Sussex sent a message to all the hopeful competitors and spectators. Perhaps now that he’s in Rising Phoenix, that can help bring some athletic inspiration to 2020 too.
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for all of us to have to make,” he said in a March video clip. “Do what you do best, which is reaching out to other people—be it those who still wear the uniform, those that used to wear the uniform, or just those people in your community who may be suffering or may be vulnerable during this period.”
