Director: Martyn Robertson
Writer: Martyn Robertson
Producers: Martyn Robertson, Louise Storrie
Production Company: Blackhouse Films
Distributor: Cosmic Cat
Screen Scotland support: Brought to audiences with the help of Screen Scotland’s Distribution Fund
Synopsis
Ethan Walker, a promising young Scottish footballer from Aberdeen, is attending a dream college football scholarship in New York State when he is tragically hit by a car and suffers life-threatening injuries. Flown back to Scotland after nine gruelling weeks in the intensive care ward, Ethan has his right knee rebuilt from scratch by orthopaedic surgeon Gordon Mackay. With Ethan’s fighting spirit and Gordon’s innovate surgical skills, a healthy dose of determination and a dry sense of humour, Ethan starts to rebuild his life.
With the 2024 Euros fast approaching, Gordon has the outlandish suggestion that the pair commemorate Ethan’s incredible progress by cycling from Glasgow to Munich for Scotland’s opening match. Does Ethan say, “On your bike, pal!” No, Ethan says, “Let’s do it!”
Upon hearing the story, the Scotland national team entrusts Ethan with the official match pennant to be exchanged by the captains of the two teams before the game. To deliver the pennant on time, Ethan will have thirteen days to cycle the 1200km journey through tumultuous weather and terrain. Time is of the essence and the expedition won’t be easy.
Accompanying Ethan and Gordon is Glasgow-based filmmaker Martyn Robertson, who decides to make a no-budget documentary film about Ethan’s story, and Tartan Army foot soldier Stephen Collie. As the foursome set off from Hampden Park, they are filled with optimism and determination, for themselves, for Ethan’s recovery, and for Scotland.
Make it to Munich is an incredible true story of the hope and comradery inspired by the love for the game, and the courage it takes to believe that, even against all the odds, anything is possible.
More information
Premiere: Make it to Munich had its World Premiere as the Closing Night film at Glasgow Film Festival 2025.
Theatrical release: The documentary is screening at selected cinemas around the UK in spring 2025.
Image credit: Stills courtesy of Blackhouse FIlms