Moon Rider

Daniel Dencik’s feature-length debut follows the growth of a young Danish cyclist into a professional athlete. Talented Rasmus Quaade is training for the world championship for cyclists under 23 years of age. High-level cycling surprises him with its speed and stamina – it demands maximum focus, a disciplined private life, and diligent training. Those unable to adapt to the ruthless tempo will be out of the running, and it appears that intelligent and contemplative Rasmus isn’t capable of the necessary physical and mental application. Moon Rider isn’t just a stirring sports drama. The choice of grainy Super 8 film stock, like the highly personal narration from Rasmus himself, transforms Dencik’s documentary into a powerful probe into the inner workings of a lonely champion. The movie likewise offers a unique view of the uncompromising world of top-level cycling where the only people to survive are those who overcome the obstacles in their own minds. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)