Beyond the Trophy: A Shared Award for a Collective Dream
- Ajmal Samuel
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
They called the name of our film. In the historic halls of the Paladino d’Oro Sport Film Festival in Palermo, ‘Pendulum Control’ was awarded the Extreme Sports Award. Our director, Richard Mark Dobson, stepped forward to collect the trophy on behalf of our entire team. In that moment, shared across continents with our crew, the true meaning of the win crystallised for me.
This was not an individual accolade; it was a collective victory earned by storytellers, pilots, and believers. Yet, it recognises a deeply personal journey, one of two crashes, relentless adaptation, and ultimately, a paragliding license earned from a wheelchair. The award honours that extreme physical endeavour, but as I watched Richard hold that trophy, its weight felt symbolic of something far greater.
It became a symbol for the disabled community and for anyone hesitating before their dream. It proved that the most significant obstacles are not the visible ones, but the narratives we choose to challenge.
The Stage That Gives Our Story Its Echo: The Paladino d'Oro
This symbol finds its power because of where it was given. Winning at the Paladino d’Oro is not just any festival win.
To understand its significance, consider this:
Aspect | Details |
Founded | 1979 |
Reputation | The world's oldest and one of the most influential sports film festivals. |
Prestige | Widely regarded as "the Oscars of sports cinema". |
Our Milestone | Pendulum Control is the first Hong Kong-produced film ever to win an award at this festival. |
This festival is a global benchmark. Its jury celebrates films that "redefine the boundaries of athletic achievement, human resilience, and cultural representation". For our Hong Kong story of adaptive paragliding to be recognised here places it among the world's most distinguished sports documentaries. It tells me the world is ready for narratives that don't just feature athletes, but actively reshape what we believe is possible for entire communities.
The Real Win: When a Personal Journey Becomes a Universal Message
So, what does this award from cinema's most venerable sports stage truly represent?
It is a landmark for inclusive storytelling. It signals to filmmakers everywhere that stories of disability, told with authenticity, risk, and technical mastery, are not niche; they are award-winning, globally resonant cinema.
It is a catalyst for a movement. This recognition is already fueling action. We are now collaborating to bring free public viewings and discussions across Hong Kong and beyond, using the film to empower youth and advocate for true inclusion.
Most importantly, it is a direct message to you. Whether your barrier is physical, societal, or born of self-doubt, this trophy is proof. Proof that "disability does not define possibility". Proof that a crash is not an end, but a pivot. Proof that the right team can help you build wings where others see limits.
I may have lived the journey strapped in the flying chair, but Richard and our team captured its soul. The Paladino d’Oro has now amplified it to the world. This award belongs to every person who has ever been told "you can't." Let it be your permission slip to try.
Your dream is valid. Your adaptation is innovation. Your resilience is award-worthy.
Plot your course. We are all your crew.
With hope and solidarity,
Ajmal Samuel
Executive Producer & Subject, Pendulum Control | Adaptive Paragliding Pilot | Founder, The Ajmal Samuel Foundation