Lesung, Vortrag und Film | Tom Belz „Do what you can’t” | Literaturherbst Heidelberg

In the organizer's words:

Tom Belz "Do what you can't"

Special events on Sunday, 28.09.

Reading, lecture and film: "Do what you can't" (reading) and "Mbuzi Dume - Starke Ziege" (film)

11th Literaturherbst Heidelberg, festival theme #LIFE

A cooperation between Literaturherbst Heidelberg, Gloria-Filmkunsttheater, Bergfilmfestival Heidelberg and "Vorlesen Vermittelt Vielfalt"

17:00: Reading, lecture and film "Do what you can't"

At the age of eight, Tom Belz loses his left leg to bone cancer. But his unbridled courage to face life and his strong will help him to overcome even the biggest hurdles. At the age of twelve, he consciously decided against a prosthesis because it was more of a hindrance than a help. At the age of 33, he stands on the highest peak in Africa and stretches his crutches into the sky, confident of victory. Tom's message: "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. If you really want to do something, then do it. Do what you can't!"

In his book, Tom tells his story and how he managed to build the foundation for a self-determined and fulfilling life with the stones that life put in his way: "I showed doctors, orthopaedists, physiotherapists, nurses and everyone who ever doubted me that I could do it. It wasn't an easy path but definitely an experience I wouldn't want to miss. I decided early on not to wear a prosthesis and still learned to ride a bike. I played soccer in a traditional club, taught children to swim on a voluntary basis and have been playing the drums since I was six years old. My life is nothing like what you might expect from a young man who only has one leg. It's exactly the opposite!"

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Tom Belz (born 1987) is diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of eight and loses his left leg. But that doesn't stop him from living his life the way he wants: with one leg, he plays soccer and drums in a metal band. In 2018, he climbs Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. In 2019, his film "Mbuzi Dume - Strong Goat" about this adventurous ascent is shown in cinemas. Since 2012, he has been working as a group leader in a day care center for people with mental and severe multiple disabilities. He is a regular guest speaker at events, in schools, on television and radio, and shares insights from his life as @tomnative on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Literaturherbst is lotterying a copy of the book "Do what you can't" among moviegoers

Price information:

regular: € 11,- | reduced: € 9,- (Reduction: Guild Pass, students, pupils, senior citizens over 65, severely disabled pass, social pass)