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CNN Live Today

Life in Baghdad; Emmanuel's Gift

Aired July 15, 2005 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The U.S. military says two U.S. marines are also among the latest deaths in Iraq. Their vehicle was hit by a homemade bomb in Anbar province on Thursday. U.S.-led fores have targeted insurgents in that area in recent weeks.
Well, you've seen the horrific images of death and destruction in Iraq practically every day. Now, CNN offers you a different perspective of life in Baghdad. It is seen through the eyes of our CNN producers Ayman Mohyeldin and Kianne Sadeq.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KIANNE SADEQ, CNN PRODUCER: Just outside this tunnel of blast walls we reached Baghdad heaven. The Anwiya (ph) club is a recreational club in Baghdad. They just go to this club on a daily basis to have a good time.

We walked into a wedding and asked them to let us shoot their wedding. Oftentimes, you know, women would be nervous about outsiders filming their wedding. But in this wedding it was wide open. People were just being themselves. And we spoke to the mother, she said to me this is something they needed to do for their children.

SANAA BAHRI, BRIDE'S MOTHER (through translator): We want the coming days to be happiness and joy. Enough war, enough blood, enough pain. We're tired. We're really tired. So we bring pleasure to our children by these joyous events so that they look forward to the future with hope.

SADEQ: The father of the bride was an ex-captain in the Iraqi navy. My first impression was, "What an optimistic family. Why are they optimistic? How are they so optimistic in this time?"

It was only when I sat with him one on one I got the sense that he was upset.

ESSAM AL-HUSSAINI, BRIDE'S FATHER: I don't know what's happening. I mean, is it true that the Americans didn't plan it well, or did they misunderstand what -- the Iraqis' behavior. People are afraid.

I'm afraid for my son to go to school. I am afraid for my other son, a doctor, to travel to his hospital. I cannot send my daughter to the university.

They heard Bush and administrations, and we were very, happy when he said that Iraq will be -- set an example in the Middle East, it will be one of the best countries in the Middle East. We appreciate his words. But I don't know. I mean, is it true that the great America cannot fill their promises?

SADEQ: We walked into this apartment in one of Baghdad's safer neighborhoods. Not too safe, but not -- not -- and it was this small apartment which this group of filmmakers had made for themselves into their own paradise.

AYMAN MOHYELDON, CNN PRODUCER: These filmmakers, they welcomed Americans with open arms when they first came. But then they saw them as occupiers, taking control of their country and their city. But they also realized that they had a chance and a freedom to express themselves in a way that they never had before the Americans came.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Now I can make any film I want. I can make films about communism, Islam, anything.

SADEQ: So here were all these filmmakers who were able to take Baghdad, with all the destruction in it, and make it into this canvas for their artwork that looked so beautiful, like this film they made about the dangers of being a journalist in Baghdad.

SALMAN ADEL, FILMMAKER: You have so many relatives killed, siblings, relatives, brothers, sisters, whatever, in every single house. You have to understand that life is difficult, and the difficulty of living is the -- is the motivator of ideas.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): I say that there is chaos, destruction, devastation, killing, terrorism, and everything. But on the other hand, there is life.

SADEQ: To me, the optimism of these artists captured something essential about Iraqis. People have seen beautiful Baghdad turn into a war zone. They wanted to see Iraq be the beautiful Iraq that they love.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Fascinating story. "CNN PRESENTS" takes an in-depth look at how life has changed for Iraqis. It's called progress report on the Iraq War. Don't miss it. It's Sunday night at 8:00 Eastern, 5:00 Pacific.

Well, inspiring story for you now. Tomorrow a one-legged man from Ghana will compete in a Minneapolis triathlon. He will among 2,500 other competitors that will be Olympic medalists. This one man, though, Emmanuel Yeboah, is truly an inspiration.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMMANUEL YEBOAH, GHANIAN CYCLIST: First thing I will do, I will try and ride a bicycle and see how perfect I can do it and wear my two shoes and see how fast I'll be and (INAUDIBLE).

(END VIDEO CLIP) KAGAN: You got to hear his story here. Yeboah's personal journey from outcast in his native land to hero to Ghana's disables is a story of a documentary. It is called "Emmanuel's Gift." It's narrated by Oprah Winfrey and will be in theaters across the country in September. It actually first comes out the end of this month.

Emmanuel Yeboah, my guest this morning, joining me live from Minneapolis. Emmanuel, good morning.

YEBOAH: Good morning.

KAGAN: Thank you for making time for us before the big race. We really appreciate that.

YEBOAH: Thank you. It's my pleasure to be here.

KAGAN: Let's tell more about your story here. You were born in Ghana with either a deformed leg without one of your legs.

YEBOAH: Yes, deformed leg. Yes.

KAGAN: In your country, there is particular stigma that comes with being disabled?

YEBOAH: Yes.

KAGAN: Tell me a little bit about that.

YEBOAH: Some years ago, if you're (INAUDIBLE), they think it's a curse for the country and your family. They want to send you to bush for you to die or they just put you -- you know, something like that. But mommy didn't do that. She took very good care of me. So through advice and how my -- from the people that are true to me, I didn't put myself (INAUDIBLE). And right now I'm achieving so many things for myself and my family and my country in any way and this world.

KAGAN: So that desire and that courage to show people in your own country that it's different, that their ideas about being disabled are wrong, those roots come from your mother. Tell me about 2002, when you got this idea to ride a bicycle across the country.

YEBOAH: Yes. So because of my mother especially -- listen, my mother buys a new bike. And I wanted to be something in my country, but I wanted to (INAUDIBLE) so many sports with my friends and they said I'm a disable, so they can't allow me to play. And I buy my own bicycle. I put in (INAUDIBLE).

And I said, OK, cycling is an individual sport. So I try to choose cycling as my main sport. That's why I set out something to do in Ghana. But I write to so many companies in Ghana. They didn't sponsor me to do that, because it is something new for them. They haven't hear -- or they haven't see a person, disabled person, especially in Ghana or doing something like what I wanted to do in Ghana, they didn't see that before. So none of the company sponsor me to do that. So I find (INAUDIBLE) race.

KAGAN: Here in the states.

YEBOAH: And I wrote to them -- yes, in the states. So they send me the bicycle and I ride my bicycle (INAUDIBLE) kilometers with my one leg using the foot prop to pedal around the country, to show the people how disabled people -- what we can do. And they must be impressed, because somebody hand me -- and the person doesn't have money. He can't eat. So, in a way the person -- the person can eat. So it's something right now I'm trying to teach my (INAUDIBLE) that there must be help right now. I'm here today to (INAUDIBLE) fitness, you see?

KAGAN: This is this race that's coming up this weekend?

YEBOAH: Yes, that's coming on Saturday.

KAGAN: So this isn't just biking, this is the whole triathlon?

YEBOAH: Yes, we are doing swimming, running and biking. But I'm being there, back and forth, so it is something I need always. I want to try to do something because one of them, (INAUDIBLE) that I wanted to go to the Olympics 2008. So I'm very happy that I'm coming to participate with Olympians.

KAGAN: And while you're making towards that, you've made a little stop in Los Angeles. You were given an ESPY award, which I think you're holding there. Oprah Winfrey not only voices and narrates the documentary about you, but also presented you with this award this weekend. What was that like?

YEBOAH: Yes. It's something amazing in my life. And Oprah is wonderful. From the time she heard my story, anytime -- we watch Oprah's show in Ghana at 12:00 a.m. So...

KAGAN: She's late night TV.

YEBOAH: Yes, late night. So from the time she narrates my story, my friends call me on my cell phone, Emmanuel, (INAUDIBLE), Oprah is on. And I'm very proud of the true documentary Oprah write for me. And right now I'm holding (INAUDIBLE) award here, so I'm very proud. And Oprah asked, she wanted to do (INAUDIBLE). I believe that the same thing I wanted to continue, and I'm very proud that I'm holding his award today.

KAGAN: The gift is named after Arthur Ashe, one of the most inspiring athletes ever here in America. Well deserved. I get the feeling we're meeting you at the beginning of your journey, and it's going to be really fun to follow you. Emmanuel Yeboah. The movie is called "Emmanuel's Gift." Good luck this weekend in Minneapolis.

YEBOAH: Thank you.

KAGAN: Still to come on CNN LIVE TODAY -- it's going to be hard to top his story, but we do have other news to get to. A major airline is raising fares. If you're looking to book last minute, it's going to cost you more. And later, Tiger Woods is staking his claim at the top of the leaderboard at the British Open. Jack Nicklaus tries to make this cut in his final appearance in a major tournament. We are taking you live to Scotland for round two of the British Open.

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KAGAN: Let's talk the movies. New at theaters this weekend, another visit to the chocolate factory and a couple of wedding crashers on the prowl for bridesmaids. Let's check in with Mr. Moviefone, Russ Leatherman, for a look at what's playing and what is worth seeing.

RUSS LEATHERMAN, MR. MOVIEFONE: I had a good time at the movies this weekend. Rarely does that happen, where I just go see a string of movies and they're all good. But I really like the movies out this weekend and we should probably start with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

KAGAN: "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the remake.

LEATHERMAN: It is a remake. This more based on the book, on Ronald (sic) Dahl's classic novel, than it is last movie. And it's, you know, the story of the candy maker Willie Wonka and he wants people to come visit his factory, so he gives out five golden tickets. And little Freddie Highmore gets the fifth golden ticket and gets to visit the magical factory. Now, I don't know if you remember him, Freddie Highmore, from "Finding Neverland."

KAGAN: Yes, where he also was with Johnny Depp. They both were excellent in that movie.

LEATHERMAN: Just fantastic. What a cute kid and a great little actor. And I have to tell you, I really, really enjoyed this movie. A lot of people are saying Johnny Depp was too quirky. I don't think he was too quirky. I mean, who else was willing to play a gay pirate? I mean, that's why we like Johnny Depp. Because he does this stuff, right? And Gene Wilder, he was plenty quirky in the movie.

So I think this is a movie that you can take the family to. It's really enjoyable. Johnny Depp does it again. And it was nice to see another Tim Burton movie look like a Tim Burton movie. The thing about this director is you can look at this movie and go, yes, I loved, you "Nightmare Before Christmas" and some of his -- "Edward Scissorhands." And it really looks like a movie that these he's done that you can enjoy.

So I'm into this movie. I enjoyed it a lot. The audience I sat with loved the movie. And so forget the quirkiness, forget the talk about Johnny Depp. You're going to like this one.

KAGAN: OK. The other movie coming out, "The Wedding Crashers." LEATHERMAN: Yes. No, this is -- how nice is it to have a R- rated comedy, Daryn, back in theaters?

KAGAN: Just what we needed.

LEATHERMAN: Come on. You get the nudity, you get the foul language. You got all of that stuff.

KAGAN: All right.

LEATHERMAN: I love this movie. It has Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, and they play a couple lawyers who are wedding crashers on the weekend. And really what they do is, they go weddings and they try to pick up girls who are sort of enveloped with the love that's in the room.

KAGAN: Sounds like you're kind of guys, Russ.

LEATHERMAN: What are you saying, Daryn?

KAGAN: In a former life, perhaps.

LEATHERMAN: Exactly. Not this life. The great thing about movie is you have two very funny comedians. Vince Vaughn, I think he's really great. I like Owen Wilson, too. And, again, you do have a movie that's not trying to please everybody. That's not rated PG-13 so everybody can go to it. There hasn't been a really good R-rated comedy in theaters for a long time. And I thought this one was very, very funny. So two really, I think, terrific movies in theater is this weekend. So you can spend your ten bucks and be happy about it.

KAGAN: Excellent, or make it 20.

LEATHERMAN: Make it 20.

KAGAN: And not a single nightmare movie among the group. I love that.

LEATHERMAN: Absolutely.

KAGAN: Russ, Mr. Moviefone, thank you.

LEATHERMAN: Always my pleasure, Daryn. Have a great weekend.

KAGAN: It is less than 14 hours and counting, Harry Potter makes his sixth American appearance in "Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince." Fans expected to storm midnight Potter parties at bookstores nationwide. Already there's wide speculation over which major character dies in the book. A couple of Harry Potter whiz kids from amazon.com's kids review panel will drop by next hour. We're going to ask them who they think gets the ax. Also who do you think this half- blood prince is? We'll find out what their theory is.

Meanwhile, let's check the time here, 10:51 a.m. on the East Coast, 3:51 p.m. in St. Andrews, Scotland. That's where the British Open is in full swing. Stay with us. We're going to take you to day two of this major championship.

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KAGAN: A very exciting British Open to check in on now. Tiger Woods trying to hold off his rivals. Jack Nicklaus trying to make the cut. Two big names playing in round two of the British Open. It's happening right now.

Our Don Riddell is covering the tournament at St. Andrews, Scotland, joining us live.

Hello.

DON RIDDELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Daryn. Thank you very much.

Tremendous excitement here in St. Andrews for both Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. As we speak, Tiger is out there. He's still in the lead. He's eight under par, and looking like he could continue his terrific form that he showed yesterday when he began the tournament.

Many, many players chasing his tail, though, but at the moment, things going very well for him, and he is very, very confident, especially the way he spoke after his first round on Thursday, very confident. And of course hoping to repeat his amazing feat of five years ago here at St. Andrews in 2000, where he ran away with it and won by eight strokes. He's certainly hoping he can do that again.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

VIJAY SINGH, 2004 PGA CHAMPION: He's going to have a sore hand from leading all day. But it's amazing. I mean, what a great man. And It's sad that it's coming to an end over here. But what a fitting place, though.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

RIDDELL: Now that was Vijay Singh talking about the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus. He is going to be absolutely exhausted here today. He's waving to every gallery as he goes round.

Now of course Jack is hoping to make the cut, and he is hoping his week done end here today. He has just birdied the 10th hole, and he's at that point of the course where there is a few holes where you could pick up a couple of the shots, but he is going to have to shoot below par for his first two rounds, we think, to make the cut.

I actually was standing with his family and his son, Jack Jr., on the first tee when Jack teed off an hour or so ago, and they were saying that actually he's been very sentimental this week. I think they were quite surprised by that actually, that he has been so sentimental here at St. Andrews, and I rather suspect that if his major championship career does come to an end here at St. Andrews today, he could be a bit of a mess as he approaches the 18th green. And I think there will be a few tears shed on his behalf by many of the fans and other players here as well here today -- Daryn. KAGAN: All right, thank you so much, Don Riddell.

And once again, we see Jack Nicklaus at two over for the tournament right now. We'll keep an eye on that.

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