This article is about the 2009 film “Atletu” which is a biographical drama and is directed by Davey Frankel and Rasselas Lakew. The film showcases the life story of Abebe Bikila, the barefoot Ethiopian man who ran the streets of Rome in 1960 and won Olympic gold in the marathon, instantly becoming a sports legend. The movie not only presents the triumphs of Bikila but also his struggles and provides an insight into the interesting facts about its shooting and other details.
Where it Filmed?
Atletu, the 2009 film, was shot in a variety of locations to capture the essence of the story. These filming locations include the diverse landscapes of Bulgaria, the native plains of Ethiopia, and the scenic views of Norway. Specific filming dates have not been provided for these locations.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rasselas Lakew | Abebe Bikila |
| Dag Malmberg | Onni |
| Ruta Gedmintas | Charlotte |
| Abba Waka Dessalegn | The Priest |
| Johnny Ashenafi | Coach Nega |
| Woyneshet Belachew | Telephone Operator |
| Abebe Bikila | Self (archiveFootage) |
| Arne Boysen | Gunnar Krogsveen |
| Yeneneh Ezra | Emperor Haile Selassie |
| Fekadu Gemechu | Uncle |
| Mersha Getahun | Bartender |
| Tigist Gurma | Motel Manager |
| Benito Mussolini | Self (archiveFootage) |
| Hristo Petkov | Archery coach |
| Ekaterina Petrova | Journalist |
| Assefa Tegene | Male Border Guard |
| Zelalem Yetagesu | Rude Officer |
Trivia and Facts
- The movie is about the life story of Abebe Bikila, an athlete who won the Olympic gold medal in the marathon in 1960.
- Though unknown, Bikila gained overnight fame and became a sports legend.
- The film was directed by Davey Frankel and Rasselas Lakew.
- Atletu was filmed across several locations including Bulgaria, Ethiopia, and Norway.
- This biographical drama does not just talk about Bikila’s victory but also discusses the challenges he faced.
- It was an official submission of Ethiopia for the ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ category at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Bulgaria
- Latitude: 42.733883
- Longitude: 25.48583
- Place ID: ChIJifBbyMH-qEAREEy_aRKgAAA
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Bulgaria
- Timezone: Europe/Sofia
- Location Name: Ethiopia
- Latitude: 9.145000000000001
- Longitude: 40.489673
- Place ID: ChIJK_1s3c7QNRYRWsVIU3-m9ns
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Ethiopia
- Timezone: Africa/Addis_Ababa
- Location Name: Norway
- Latitude: 60.47202399999999
- Longitude: 8.468945999999999
- Place ID: ChIJv-VNj0VoEkYRK9BkuJ07sKE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Norway
- Timezone: Europe/Oslo
