Dusty tracks bake under the relentless Greek sun as 72-year-old blind marathoner Nikos Tsatsaklas leaves the chaotic sprawl of Athens behind him. Form upright and brow beaded in sweat, his steady pace carries him toward Marathon—the fabled birthplace of long-distance running. His journey is both a tribute to history and a testament to the perseverance of the human spirit.
Nikos’s story unfolds in The Messenger, part of Stories of Movement—a groundbreaking film series created by Reebok LTD in collaboration with Highsnobiety. This first-of-its-kind series captures communities in motion through the lens of emerging filmmakers, offering a powerful exploration of resilience, connection, and purpose.
In The Messenger, director Naghmeh Pour intertwines the ancient legend of Pheidippides with Nikos’s extraordinary modern odyssey, celebrating the persistence that unites us as humans. Set against the dramatic landscape of Greece’s rugged interior, the film reflects on the essence of the hero’s journey in a contemporary world. It delves into the inner strength, unwavering determination, and profound sense of purpose that define not only Nikos but also the universal struggles we all face.
As Nikos himself declares, “You don’t need eyes to run.”
What does the role of hero look like in contemporary mythos?
To me, the modern hero’s journey is about the inner transformation. A hero today embodies resilience, self-discovery, and the power to overcome personal limitations. It’s less about external victories and more about the strength to face one’s own challenges and emerge stronger.
In what ways do you feel Pheidippides’ journey resonates with universal human experiences, and how does Nikos embody these archetypal qualities in a contemporary context?
Pheidippides’ journey speaks to the universal human experience of pushing past exhaustion and hardship to achieve something greater. His purpose was driven by hope and sheer determination —qualities we all aspire to. Nikos embodies these same traits in a modern way. His message, “You don’t need eyes to run,” is a powerful reminder that a deep desire and unshakable will can help us overcome life’s toughest challenges.
What drew you personally to Pheidippides' legendary run, and how do you relate his journey to modern stories of resilience, including Nikos’s?
While I was looking into the origins of the marathon, Pheidippides’ story and determination stood out to me. It made me think about what pushes us to overcome the impossible. At first, I thought finishing a marathon was all about being physically extraordinary, but Nikos showed me it’s all about mindset. Like Pheidippides, Nikos proves that love, dedication, and a strong will can carry us through the toughest challenges.
Filming from the Acropolis to Marathon offers a deeply historical backdrop. How did the ancient and symbolic setting influence the mood and storytelling in the film?
Following Pheidippides’ route allowed us to connect the past with the present. The landscapes weren’t just visually stunning — they were emotionally grounding. Being in such historically rich locations reminded us how deeply the present is shaped by the lives and struggles of those who came before us. That connection added a sense of depth and meaning to the project.
Your work often incorporates meaningful symbols and metaphors. Can you share a symbol or metaphor that you infused into The Messenger and how it adds depth to the narrative?
We added small nods to Greek mythology and history throughout the film. For example, we showed Nikos as a godlike figure to honor his connection to the past. The marble quarry, linked to the building of the Acropolis, became a symbol of strength and perseverance. A shadowed mountain represents the mental strength it takes to run a marathon and so on. By depicting Nikos running solo, we emphasize his inner strength and ability to push past limitations, offering a visual metaphor for the personal battles he overcomes. It’s a way of showing that, despite the reliance on community and support, the heart of his journey is deeply personal—it’s about his unwavering spirit and the sense of freedom he creates within himself.
Nikos is an inspiration not only for his resilience but also for his intergenerational connection with his son, who is also a marathoner. How did this father-son bond shape the film’s narrative?
Their bond gave the film an emotional core. Nikos’ love for running is tied to his relationships—especially with his son. The way they share this passion highlights the importance of community and connection. Nikos’ emotional reflections on running with his son showed us that this wasn’t just about the race; it was about cherishing shared moments and relationships.
Both Pheidippides and Nikos embody resilience against physical and emotional barriers. How do you see their struggles and triumphs connecting across centuries to contemporary audiences?
Their stories are universal reminders of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and overcome. Determination transcends time. For contemporary audiences, Nikos’ story—conquering age, blindness, and doubt—inspires us to reflect on our own limits and possibilities.
In what ways does The Messenger challenge conventional ideas about ability and purpose?
Nikos challenges the notion that abilities are defined by conventional standards. He demonstrates that where others see obstacles, he finds new ways forward. His determination to run a marathon without sight proves that purpose and passion are far greater forces than physical limitations.
Despite losing his vision, Nikos has completed incredible physical feats. How did you approach portraying his “inner vision” or emotional journey on screen?
We focused on Nikos’ heightened senses and his unique way of experiencing the world. Almost all the voiceover is derived from his own words, revealing how he perceives landscapes through sound, smell, and touch. By emphasizing these sensory details, we invited the audience into his perspective, showing how his “inner vision” guides him.
How did you balance the grandiosity of Pheidippides’ legend with the intimate, personal story of Nikos?
Pheidippides provided the historical framework, but our goal was to bring the legend into the present. We let the myth inspire our exploration of modern resilience. Nikos’ deeply personal story naturally mirrored some of the timeless themes of endurance and purpose, bridging the past and present.
What parallels did you explore between the physical demands of running and the emotional and mental endurance Nikos demonstrates?
Running requires both physical and mental strength, and Nikos exemplifies how they’re intertwined. What he lacks in sight, he more than makes up for with mental strength. His ability to persist through pain and doubt is a testament to how resilience stems from both body and mind working together.
Are there specific cinematic techniques you used to highlight the sensory experience of running as a blind marathoner? How did these techniques help the audience see through Nikos’s perspective?
We often placed Nikos in vast landscapes, making him a small figure to highlight that his goal and motivation were bigger than the race itself—it was about the deeper purpose behind his journey. We also wanted the film to be colorful, just like Nikos. His story deserves to be told with all the beauty and vibrancy it holds.
Nikos and his coach, Giorgos, share a unique partnership built on trust and synchronicity. How did you capture the depth of this relationship in the film?
Nikos and his guides share a deeply touching partnership built on trust and mutual love for running. Hearing Nikos talk about his coach made it clear how important their connection is—Giorgos is both a guide and a source of emotional strength. In the film, we see Nikos running solo, but that freedom is made possible because of the trust and support around him. Their bond is a powerful example of how community and love can empower someone to achieve incredible things.
Is there a particular message or emotion you hope audiences carry with them as they reflect on Pheidippides’ and Nikos’s journeys?
I hope Nikos’ story challenges the judgments we place on ourselves and others. Nikos shows that true strength comes from within. Maybe this encourages audiences to recognise the potential within themselves.
