Bartali's Bicycle

Australian Premiere

‘Acqua Lete presents the award to the film Bartali’s Bicycle for its ability to deliver a message of hope and still having faith in others.’  – Giffoni Film Festival statement

Set across two different time periods, these stories about cycling teach important lessons about moral courage and challenging prejudices

Gino Bartali was a real-life legendary Italian cycling champion who won the Tour de France twice and the Giro d'Italia three times. Bartali used his talent and fame as the ‘King of Cycling’ during World War II to act as a courier for the Italian Resistance, and hid a Jewish family in his cellar.

Closer to the present day, two young rival road cyclists living in Jerusalem confront the impact of their divided society by forming a friendship and ultimately becoming teammates.

A story of friendship and sports told in two distinctive timelines, Bartali's Bicycle is a sensitive film aimed at older children about mutual respect and overcoming divisions.

Festival Appearances/Awards
Giffoni Film Festival 2024 – Winner, Lete Special Award
SCHLiNGEL International Film Festival 2024