Directed by Jerry Rothwell Club, Light House, Dublin, 100 min

JERRY ROTHWELL, the director of such admired documentaries as Donor Unknown, makes a moving piece of this study of two female Ethiopian runners from the remote town of Bekoji.

There must be something in the water in that area. Bekoji has already given the world a dazzling array of Olympic champions, including Deratu Tulu, Kenenisa Bekele, Tariku Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba.Rothwell just about gets away with a slightly tricksy device whereby the picture is narrated by Biruk, a boy who runs a kiosk in the town. He introduces us to Alemi and Hawii, two pals who are hoping to achieve greatness for their country and their district.

Coach Eshetu, an archetypically enthusiastic sporting mentor, offers the girls advice and encouragement, but it soon becomes clear that, to progress, our heroes will have to leave home for distant training camps. One has a relatively positive experience. The other encounters unfinished accommodation, unsatisfactory food and a disorganised training regime.

The picture has things to say about the eternally depressing politics of sport. There is a brief, inevitable shot of old men in blazers living the high life while the young athletes struggle to receive the preparation they deserve. Both athletes encounter depressing disappointments.

Town of Runners is, however, largely an optimistic film. Utilising sharp, digital photography, Rothwell depicts Bekoji as a friendly place buzzing with hope and good will. The locals idolise their athletic heroes. Biruk looks forward to the arrival of a computer and the promise of an internet connection.

One might wonder if Rothwell offers too sentimental a portrait of Bekoji. There is mention of an unsatisfactory harvest. But, for the most part, the town is depicted as a kind of rude paradise. Everyone is friendly. Nobody gives in to despair or jealousy.

Then again, maybe there really are such places.