South African Robert Ford Produces Emmy-Nominated Doccie Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

South African Producer Robert Ford Behind Emmy-Nominated Documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

South African-born Robert Ford has added yet another remarkable achievement to his career. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which he co-produced, has earned four Emmy nominations for Directing, Writing, Editing, and Music Composition—solidifying its position as one of 2025’s most powerful documentaries.

Now streaming on Showmax as of Friday, 25 July, Super/Man has already swept more than 30 major awards, including Best Documentary at the 2025 BAFTAs, a Producers Guild of America Award, and six Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards.

“a powerful story of human endurance… rich in evidence of hope and kindness.”

It holds an impressive 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Hollywood Reporter praising it as

A Real-Life Superhero

The documentary charts the extraordinary journey of Christopher Reeve—from a relatively unknown actor to the iconic Superman of the silver screen. Reeve starred in four Superman films and delivered a wide range of roles throughout his acting career. However, his life took a tragic turn in 1995 when a horse-riding accident left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Instead of retreating from public life, Reeve became a global advocate for spinal cord injury research and disability rights. He continued to act, direct, and inspire—emerging as a symbol of perseverance, hope, and human dignity.

Super/Man offers unprecedented access to Reeve’s personal life through never-before-seen home movies, archival footage, and interviews with his children and A-list friends.

South Africa’s Own: Robert Ford

Ford, who grew up in Wellington and matriculated from Hugenote Hoërskool, spent the first 18 years of his life in South Africa before moving to the UK. Despite launching his career abroad, Ford remains deeply connected to his roots.

“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.”

says Ford

Ford’s career has spanned over 25 years, transitioning from assistant editor to camera operator, and eventually rising as a respected documentary producer. His breakout moment came in 2019 as a field producer on Formula 1: Drive to Survive, followed by production roles on The Deepest Breath and Rising Phoenix—both Emmy winners. Other credits include Citizen K, Final Account, and Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In.

Crafting Super/Man

Ford was drawn to the Super/Man project not only because of Reeve’s compelling story but also because of the vast archive of footage available.

“The family filmed everything and kept everything. It was a treasure trove—but also a massive challenge to edit.”

Working once again with directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, with whom he collaborated on Rising Phoenix, Ford brought in his expertise in archive-based storytelling. The film also benefits from a production team that prioritised disability representation, including disabled crew and consultants whose perspectives shaped the narrative and ethical approach to topics like the politics of ‘the cure.’

Looking Ahead

Ford is now working on his directorial debut, a “quirky, unusual nature documentary” currently being filmed in the United States under his new production banner, Radius Films. While Rising Phoenix was the only documentary he’s shot in South Africa so far, Ford still visits regularly and is eager to collaborate with the local film industry again.

“South Africa has great filmmakers and crew, and the filmmaking infrastructure there is really brilliant,”.

he says

As for Super/Man, Ford hopes South Africans will stream the film and be moved by its universal themes.

“Chris went out of his way to help others. He was a kind and empathetic person even before his accident, but that became his mission after it. Behind the superhero was a real-life hero.”

he says

Stream Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story now on Showmax.

Credits:
DC Studios presents in association with HBO Documentary Films and CNN Films. A Passion Pictures and Misfits Entertainment production in association with Jenco Films and Words+Pictures. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui. Produced by Lizzie Gillett, Robert Ford, Ian Bonhôte. Edited by Otto Burnham. Music by Ilan Eshkeri. Executive Producers: Connor Schell, Libby Geist, Marie Margolius, and others.