The new Netflix film ‘Rising Phoenix’ will feature SA’S Inspirational Ntando Mahlangu
Netflix has released a new documentary titled ‘Rising Phoenix’. The documentary features various Paralympic stars, as they share their inspirational stories of triumph and resilience. It will also feature Toyota ambassador and Paralympic star Ntando Mahlangu.
Rising Phoenix is directed by the talented duo of Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, whose previous work includes the highly praised 2018 documentary, McQueen. The documentary follows the Paralympic movement and its rise to prominence. These incredible athletes share their remarkable journey to achieving what seemed to look like an unattainable dream at the time. The documentary was initially expected to be released around the same time as the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, but this saw a postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the heart of any South African watching the documentary, there is one Paralympic athlete that stands out from the rest and that is the immensely brilliant Ntando Mahlangu. From birth, Ntando was diagnosed with fibular hemimelia which meant that his legs did not fully develop below his knees. This resulted in Ntando spending most of his childhood in a wheelchair.
In 2012, Ntando underwent an operation where he removed both his legs at the knee. He would later, receive a set of blades from the South African Charity Jumping Kids. This changed Ntando’s life as he shifted all his focus into athletics. He has since won numerous awards and became an instant role model for the South African youth.
Toyota South Africa Motors has been in full support of Ntando’s inspiring journey, by making him the sporting brand ambassador. Toyota, a Worldwide Official Mobility Partner of the International Olympic Committee, and the International Paralympic Committee have always shared the same vision as Ntando and that was to inspire people to do the impossible.
The documentary is now streaming on Netflix, so be sure to check it out.
Also worth a look: the Toyota Everest and the Toyota Corolla Cross: Still King of the Crossover Castle?.
FAQ
Q: What is Rising Phoenix about on Netflix?
Rising Phoenix is a Netflix documentary that follows Paralympic athletes sharing their inspirational stories of triumph and resilience, directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui who previously made the acclaimed McQueen documentary in 2018.
Q: Who is Ntando Mahlangu and why is he featured in Rising Phoenix?
Ntando Mahlangu is a South African Paralympic athlete and Toyota brand ambassador who was born with fibular hemimelia, had both legs removed at the knee in 2012, and went on to become a world-class sprinter using prosthetic blades from the charity Jumping Kids.
Q: When was Rising Phoenix supposed to be released originally?
Rising Phoenix was originally scheduled to release around the same time as the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic before eventually launching on Netflix.
Q: What condition does Ntando Mahlangu have?
Ntando Mahlangu was born with fibular hemimelia, a condition where his legs did not fully develop below his knees, which meant he spent most of his childhood in a wheelchair before having both legs amputated at the knee in 2012.
Q: Why does Toyota sponsor Ntando Mahlangu?
Toyota South Africa Motors made Ntando Mahlangu their sporting brand ambassador because his inspiring journey from childhood disability to Paralympic success perfectly embodies their brand values of overcoming challenges and achieving the impossible.
Should You Buy It?
Look, this isn't about buying a car, but if you're wondering whether to stream Rising Phoenix on Netflix, absolutely yes. At around R159 per month for a Netflix subscription, you're getting access to one of the most inspiring documentaries featuring our own Paralympic legend Ntando Mahlangu. The film showcases the incredible journey of Paralympic athletes, with Ntando's story being particularly moving as he transformed from using a wheelchair to becoming a world-class sprinter with his blades. For the price of a decent takeaway meal, you get unlimited access to this and thousands of other titles. Rising Phoenix is the best Paralympic documentary under R200 in SA right now, and Ntando's presence makes it essential viewing for any South African sports fan.
