This little gem of a documentary shows a side of Scottish manhood we seldom see in our nation’s art.
— Neil Mackay | The Herald

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.

Produced by Blackhouse Films and Urbancroft Films, MAKE IT TO MUNICH is set for an early 2025 release.

THE FILM

SCREENINGS

Glasgow Film Theatre
Sunday 9th February
7:30PM
Tickets:
glasgowfilm.org

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MEET THE GANG

ETHAN

Former under 18’s captain for Huntly Fc, Ethan won a place on a prestigious soccer scholarship with Genessee Soccer Academy in New York State. He enjoyed two brilliant months there before being hit by a car in September 2023. Make it to Munich is the story of his recovery. 

GORDON

Gordon grew up with a father who was a professional footballer and a mother who was a GP. He followed in his father footsteps by achieving his dream playing briefly for Rangers FC before injury curtailed his playing career. He decided to focus on his medical studies and became a sports surgeon. He invented the Internal Brace which has changing recovery time from

Injury in world sport. Gordon is a huge Scotland fan and led the Scotland under 50’s national team as captain. 

MARTYN

Martyn is a documentary filmmaker who enjoys making films about real people. He loves a challenge and is an avid football fan. 

He’s not a cyclist but has dreamt of following Scotland to major tournaments from a young age. Martyn was one of the cyclists on the Make it to Munich challenge and directed and produced the film.

STEPHEN

Stephen is a tartan army foot soldier who follows Scotland home and away. He has dreamt of cycling to follow Scotland to a major tournament. He and Martyn are also cycling in memory of their mutual friend Jason.

IN THE NEWS

In Their Own League: GFF25 Review: Make it to Munich ★★★★ by Calum Cooper | 9 March 2025

Screen Daily: ‘Make It To Munich’ review: Rousing doc follows injured teen footballer getting back in the saddle | 9 March 2025

Press & Journal: Aberdeenshire teen who nearly died in crash cycles onto red carpet for premiere of film about inspiring recovery by Jamie Sinclair | 10 March 2025

Strathclyde Telegraph: GFF25 Closing Gala: Make it to Munich ★★★★ by Natalie Smith | 9 March 2025

The National: Glasgow Film Festival to host several Scottish premieres by Lucy Jackson | 26th February 2025

Paisley Daily Express: Documentary follows epic trip of patient and surgeon by Kaiya Marjoribanks | 25th February 2025

Deadline: Seven Key Films & Events Not To Miss At This Year’s Glasgow Film Festival by Diana Lodderhose | 25th February 2025

BBC One: Ethan and Gordon sharing the Make it to Munich story with the country on on BBC Breakfast! | 18th February 2025

The Herald: Make it a must: this super Scottish film smashes male stereotypes by Neil Mackay | 12th February 2025

Sunday Post: Rough ride sets brave young footballer off on journey of a lifetime by Murray Scougall | 26th January 2025

Daily Mail: The Miracle Man: Young Scot Ethan Walker suffered multiple injuries ... but cycled from Scotland to Munich to watch Euro 2024 just months later by Teddy Jamieson | 25th January 2025

Hollywood Reporter: Glasgow Film Fest Sets James McAvoy Event, Opening and Closing Movies From Scottish Directors by Georg Szalai | Global Business Editor | 21st January 2025

STV News: Teen cycling to Euros seven months after fighting for life in New York by Calum Loudon | 5th May 2024

The National: Glasgow Film Festival ends with world premiere of Scottish documentary by Lucy Jackson | 9 March 2025

GlasgowWorld: Star-studded Glasgow Film Festival closes with world premiere of emotional Scottish documentary by Paul Trainer | 9 March 2025

Business Doc Europe: Documentaries at 21st Glasgow Film Festival by Nick Cunningham | 21st January 2025

Northsound 1: Make it to Munich: Teen cycling to Euros 2024 nine months after life threatening accident by Vanessa Walker | 8th May 2024

The Herald: Glasgow Film Festival unveils programme for 21st edition by Lucinda Cameron | 21st January 2025

BBC Sports: Ethan Walker: The boy with the unbreakable spirit by Tom English | BBC Scotland's chief sports writer | 3rd May 2024

CONTACT

For all PR enquiries for Make it to Munich please contact:

Martyn Robertson

Tel: 07817620394

Email: martyn@blackhousefilms.com

FILM INFO: To reach the production team please use the contact and someone will get back to you. 

TICKETS: For queries about tickets for screenings please contact the cinema you are trying to book with directly.