On Footwear Profiles Olympic Refugee Runner Dominic Lobalu

Latest in brand's impressive film series

Dominic Lobalu was down—but not out.

The runner—an orphan, originally from South Sudan, who now resides in Switzerland—fell (along with others) during yesterday’s 5,000-meter preliminary race in Paris. But his hopes for a medal remain alive, and he’ll compete again on Saturday.

Swiss footwear maker On—always primed for big marketing moments with pop-culture appeal—profiled Dominic in an acclaimed doc last year.

Now, the brand and directors J.M. Harper and Hector Aponysus feature Lobalu once more in the 9-minute film “To Chase a Dream.”

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“It’s no secret that Dominic’s backstory has been covered in the previous 30-minute documentary,” notes Harper. “Profiling the same character again required that we approach with a fresh context, visuals and thematic takeaway.”

So, rather than dig deep into Lobalu backstory (“To Chase a Dream” accomplished that mission), the team strove to present a brisk but compelling portrait of the athlete, mixing interviews and track footage with deft editing to fine effect. The film’s quiet, at times brooding intensity adds a gravitas to the story. The contemplative pace feels compelling. It provides an intriguing contrast with the subject matter, slowing things down in a world where speed’s king and events dash past in the blink of an eye.

“The story vividly illustrates how being a top runner represents not just a competitive achievement, but also a deeply personal story of resilience and the support of many,” Harper said. “We were aiming to reveal the layers of Dominic and his team’s collective dream as his story continues to evolve and his dreams come within reach.”

Other recent On efforts of note range from this artful outing with Zendaya to her not-so-serious air tennis encounter with Roger Federer.

(8/10: Update: Lobalu finished fourth.)

CREDITS

Directors
J.M. HARPER
HECTOR APONYSUS

Editors
BYRON LEON
GABRIELA TESSITORE

Director of Photography
JAN METTLER

Composer
WILLIAM RYAN FRITCH

Sound Designer/Mixer
RAPHAËL AJUELOS

Colorist
AYUMI ASHLEY

Production
PARK PICTURES LONDON