Personal Triumph and Social Awareness in Stride

Stride, a poignant short film by Ethiopian-American filmmaker Alazar Aklilu, delves into the deeply personal and universal themes of resilience, ambition, and self-discovery. Drawing from his own experiences, Aklilu crafts a narrative that is as much about overcoming personal challenges as it is about shining a light on the underrepresented realities of living with sickle cell anemia.

Inspired by a pivotal moment in his life, Aklilu shared, “The inspiration behind Stride came from experiences I had in my senior year of high school. I went from being a varsity runner with hopes of competing collegiately to being sidelined due to health complications. During that idle time, I discovered my passion for filmmaking. This story mirrors my sadness and despondency during that period but also reflects the candid and supportive father-son dynamic I shared with my dad.”

The film follows Mac, a high school runner whose aspirations are upended by a hereditary medical condition. Through Mac’s journey, Aklilu addresses the often-overlooked struggles of athletes living with sickle cell anemia. “I sought out advice from a creative consultant impacted by sickle cell and a medical consultant who ensured the story remained both authentic and medically sound,” Aklilu explained. “This collaborative approach allowed us to blend the granular details of the condition with a grounded, artistic narrative.”

Central to the story is the tender yet complex relationship between Mac and his father, a dynamic that draws heavily from Aklilu’s own life. “My dad’s always been a role model and someone I’ve counted on during difficult times,” he said. “The patience and paternal instincts he brought into my life were qualities I wanted to reflect in the film, juxtaposed with the angst and frustration of a teenager facing immense challenges.”

Aklilu’s collaboration with organizations like Sickle Cell 101 and Cayenne Wellness Center further informed the film’s empathetic lens. “Witnessing how these organizations empower individuals living with sickle cell anemia was incredibly inspiring,” he shared. “Their dedication to fostering resilience and providing support informed the heart of the film, shaping its themes of hope and perseverance.”

The transition from athletic ambition to artistic passion is a key theme in Stride. Aklilu sought to explore Mac’s quiet moments of self-reflection and burgeoning artistic tendencies. “Life’s greatest gifts tend to be surprises,” he said. “Mac’s father giving him the gift at the end symbolizes that transition and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from adversity.”

For Aklilu, the film is as much about storytelling as it is about creating lasting impact. “I hope audiences take away the message that circumstances don’t have to define them,” he emphasized. “Our greatest tools to get through hard times are unwavering optimism and internal resilience.”

Reflecting on the filmmaking process, Aklilu noted, “It’s been incredibly rewarding to hear how Stride has been a vessel for newfound awareness of sickle cell anemia. Additionally, working with such a talented group of individuals to bring this story to life is an experience I’ll cherish.”

As a filmmaker from a marginalized community, Aklilu’s commitment to authentic storytelling shines through. “I aim to create work that portrays African and African American individuals in a positive light while avoiding stereotypes,” he explained. “By pulling from personal experiences, I strive to evoke meaningful thoughts and inspire others through narratives that cut past surface-level portrayals.”

For those facing setbacks, Aklilu offers sage advice: “Process your emotions, surround yourself with people who care, and plan your road ahead. Setbacks can feel Earth-shattering, but they often carry valuable lessons. Sometimes, things don’t happen to you—they happen for you.”

With Stride, Aklilu has not only created a compelling cinematic piece but also a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to inspire change. “This film is a reflection of triumph over the uncontrollable,” he said, “and a call to embrace the lessons life offers, no matter how challenging they may be.”

Tickets are available for Stride on eoFLIX website HERE.