South African-born producer Robert Ford is basking in international acclaim with his latest project, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.
The documentary, which arrives on Showmax from Friday, 25 July, has earned an impressive four Emmy nominations. Recognition comes in the categories of Directing, Writing, Editing, and Music Composition.
CHRISTOPHER REEVE, THE SUPERMAN
Super/Man celebrates the extraordinary life of Christopher Reeve, immortalised as Superman. Reeve rose from an unknown stage actor to a Hollywood icon.
His portrayal of Clark Kent/Superman set the gold standard for superhero films. Reeve starred in four Superman films and played a variety of roles, showcasing his remarkable range.
Tragedy struck in 1995 when a horse-riding accident left Reeve paralysed from the neck down. Undeterred, he became a leading advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights, according to IMDB.
He balanced activism, fatherhood, and continued work in the film industry, emerging as a real-life hero.
FORD ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM INDUSTRY
Ford, originally from Wellington in the Western Cape, reflects on his journey, “I wish I had known more about the South African film industry at that stage.
I only discovered later that SA has such a vibrant film culture.”
Now based in the UK, Ford has built a global reputation across film production roles over 25 years.
The Superman documentary features never-before-seen home videos and a wealth of family archives. For the first time, Reeve’s three children speak at length on film about their father.
Hollywood friends and colleagues also share insights, giving the story depth and warmth.
THE SUPERMAN DOCUMENTARY
With a staggering 98% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Super/Man has swept more than 30 awards.
These include Best Documentary at the 2025 BAFTAs and major wins from the Producers Guild of America and Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards.
Ford describes the biggest challenge of filming the Superman documentary: “We had hundreds of hours of footage. The story could have gone in so many directions, so there were lots of difficult decisions in the edit.
Letting go of the scenes you love is hard; it’s hard killing your babies.”
REPRESENTATION IN FILM
He is also passionate about representation. “It’s important that those stories are heard and not marginalised,” says Ford.
For Super/Man, several disabled crew and consultants played key roles. Their insight shaped the film, especially on the complex ethics and realities of disability and cure.
LOVE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Ford’s ties to home remain strong. “I’d love to film in South Africa again. South Africa has great filmmakers and crew, and the filmmaking infrastructure is brilliant,” he says.
He’s thrilled for local viewers to watch his work and Superman documentary, adding, “It’s a universal story. Behind the onscreen superhero was a real-life hero.”
Super/Man stands as a testament to courage and resilience, both on and off the screen. South Africans can take pride in one of their shining moments on the world stage.
WHICH ASPECT OF CHRISTOPHER REEVE’S LIFE DO YOU FIND MOST COMPELLING – HIS ACTING, HIS ACCIDENT, OR HIS ACTIVISM?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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