Watch Autumn Gold

Autumn Gold is a touching and uplifting documentary film about five elderly athletes from across the globe who are preparing to compete in the World Masters Track and Field Championships in Finland. The film follows these vibrant and inspiring individuals as they reflect on their lives, recounting their struggles and triumphs, and prepare to compete in one of the most important athletic events of their lives.

As the athletes train for the competition, the film explores the importance of physical activity and exercise, particularly for older individuals. Through interviews with experts in geriatric medicine and physical therapy, the film highlights the many benefits of staying active as we age, including improved mobility, flexibility, and overall health.

The five athletes featured in the film come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse life experiences. Alfred Proksch is an 82-year-old Austrian who has been a passionate runner for over forty years. Gabre Gabric is a 90-year-old Croatian who escaped from a concentration camp during World War II and has been competing in track and field events for over fifty years. Herbert Liedke is a 92-year-old German who has been a dedicated athlete his whole life, despite suffering a stroke in his 80s.

Also featured in the film are Ilse Pleuger, a 100-year-old German discus thrower, and sprinter Hidekichi Miyazaki, a 105-year-old Japanese man who holds the world record for the 100-meter dash in his age group.

As the athletes prepare for the competition, the film explores their relationships with their families, friends, and coaches. It also shows the challenges they face in training and competing at their age, including injuries, fatigue, and the occasional setback.

Despite these challenges, the athletes remain determined and motivated. They inspire each other and those around them with their dedication and passion for their sport. As they arrive in Finland for the championship, they are warmly welcomed by fellow competitors, organizers, and spectators, who are impressed and delighted by their perseverance and spirit.

Throughout the film, moments of humor, pathos, and joy are interwoven, creating a rich and nuanced portrait of these remarkable individuals. The stunning cinematography captures both the beauty of nature and the intensity of the competition, immersing the viewer in the athletes' world.

Autumn Gold offers a poignant reminder of the importance of pursuing our passions and staying active, no matter what our age. It is a testament to the resilience, determination, and joie de vivre of these extraordinary seniors, who continue to defy the limitations of their age and inspire us all to do the same.

Autumn Gold is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.