Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story will hit the big screen for the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) this week.

The film tells the story of B.C.’s Hansen, the legendary Canadian Paralympian, activist, and philanthropist.

CityNews’ Angelina Ravelli sat down with writer/director Adrian Buitenhuis and producer Derik Murray to learn more about the film ahead of its VIFF debut.

“If you don’t know this story, it’s one of the most exceptional human feats you can ever imagine, which is a journey across the world, 40,000 kilometres, that Rick did with a small team,” Buitenhuis said.

“The fact that the movie is coming out at this point in time, in synchronicity with the 40th anniversary and the work that Rick is doing right now with the community and the world, timing is absolutely perfect,” Murray said.

But the film will not just focus on Rick’s story.

“It’s not just a ‘man in motion,’ it’s a ‘team in motion,’” Buitenhuis said.

“It was so important for us to focus on the people around him who helped make that happen.”

And while the film hears from present-day Rick, it also gives viewers a real idea of how things looked — and sounded — during his journey four decades ago.

“Rick offered up the fact that he had a box of cassette tapes that he had essentially recorded during the duration of his journey,” Murray said.

“That is an incredibly important storytelling tool. You have his 27-year-old, 28-year-old voice going over it.”

Canadian celebrity Ryan Reynolds is a producer on the film, and Murray shared how the collaboration came about.

“The decision to bring Ryan Reynolds was automatic,” Murray said.

“He’s a Vancouver boy. He has established a reputation, and we wanted to add additional horsepower in shining a light on Rick Hansen, in this film specifically.”

Buitenhuis hopes the film will serve as an inspiration.

“My hope with this film is for people to watch this inspiring mission and see where in their own lives can they make a change, where in their own communities can they make a change,” he said.

“There’s still so much that needs to be done.”

Rick Hansen will attend the Vancouver premiere of Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story this Saturday at the Vancouver Playhouse. The film will also have a second VIFF screening next week.

“The exciting news is Cineplex will bring our film across Canada beginning Nov. 1,” Murray said.

“Tickets should be available on the website Oct. 5, so you’ve got to be there!”