In the lead-up to the Bingham Cup, ABC 2 will screen the award winning documentary, The Rugby Player a touching, funny and stirring portrait of how a son’s heroism can inspire a nation, and how a mother’s love can turn unfathomable loss into unshakable resolve.
Mark Bingham was a gregarious, happy-go-lucky amateur rugby player with gay rugby team the San Francisco Fog. But his life ended abruptly on board United Flight 93, which went down on September 11, 2001. The film picks up after Mark’s death, when we meet his mother Alice as she transforms devastation into resolve.
A former United Airlines flight attendant, Alice begins to take on the fight for equal rights for all and becomes an inspiration to LGBT sons, daughters and parents around the world. Utilising footage shot by Bingham himself, this timely film provides keen insights for the national debates on LGBT rights, marriage equality and gay athletes in sports.
Utilizing footage shot by Bingham himself, this timely film provides keen insights for the national debates on LGBT rights, marriage equality and gay athletes in sports. Winner of multiple festival awards, discover the story behind the man after whom the Bingham Cup is named – a must-see film for rugby players and fans alike.
The Rugby Player will screen on ABC 2 on Wednesday 20 August 20 at 8.30pm. For more information, visit: www.abc.net.au for details.
Queer Screen will also present a special screening as part of the Bingham Cup event calendar on Monday 25 August. A Q&A will following the screening featuring Alice Hoagland. For more information, visit: www.queerscreen.org.au for details.
Image: Alice Hoagland and Mark Bingham