Canadian Sports Film Festival 2024: Right to Fight Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion in Toronto
Earlier this month, the Canadian Sports Film Festival (CSFF) took place in Toronto, Ontario, at the iconic TIFF Bell Lightbox. This year's festival kicked off with a powerful screening of the documentary Right to Fight, which was presented as the first Canadian screening of the film.
The Right to Fight documentary, directed by Georgina Cammalleri, was brought to the big screen by our Kristina Ejem, a member of the CSFF board. The film documents the incredible struggles and triumphs of a group of U.S. women boxers in the late 1970s who fought not only in the ring but also against the sexism, racism, and homophobia that permeated the sport. Through their journey, these pioneering athletes paved the way for future generations of women in boxing.
"Right to Fight" highlights the powerful stories of Marian "Lady Tyger" Trimiar, Cathy "Cat" Davis, and Pat "Pretty" Pineda, whose contributions to women’s boxing history have long been overlooked. This documentary serves as a vital reminder of their efforts and struggles, shedding light on the challenges they faced to secure a place for women in the sport.
Despite the difficult realities portrayed in the film, the screening was inspiring and motivating for attendees, including local sports fans and members of the Girls Just Wanna Box community. The story of these women demonstrates the true spirit of determination and resilience that defines a fighter.
Post-Screening Panel Discussion:
Following the film, an engaging panel discussion took place featuring some key figures connected to the history of women’s boxing. Panelists included:
- Georgina Cammalleri, the director of Right to Fight
- Lanay Browning, a trailblazer who challenged an Ontario ban on women's boxing in the early 1980s
- Bruce Kidd, a former Olympian who chaired the committee that recommended legalizing women’s boxing in Ontario
- A surprise guest, Pat Pineda, one of the boxers featured in the film, who joined the discussion via Zoom
The panel explored important topics, such as:
- The pivotal role of Sue Fox from WBAN (Women’s Boxing Archive Network) in helping Georgina Cammalleri connect with the featured athletes and secure archival footage of their groundbreaking moments.
- The significant progress women’s boxing has made, while emphasizing that much work remains to be done to achieve full equality in the sport.
- The shared experiences of Lanay Browning and the women in the film, highlighting how the struggles faced by female boxers in the U.S. were also prevalent in Canada.
As Georgina Cammalleri shared, the film resonates deeply with women trying to break into male-dominated industries:
"Even if you’re not a boxer, as a woman—especially if you’re trying to crack a male-dominated world—it really resonated with me. This is an amazing story of women who just do it. If they want it, they go for it."
The story of these women’s perseverance and dedication to achieving their dreams has inspired audiences around the world. Georgina’s dedication to sharing their journey was fueled by a personal passion for telling the stories of trailblazing women.
If you missed the screening of Right to Fight at the CSFF, don’t worry! Follow the film’s official Instagram page to find out where it will be shown next. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this powerful documentary that sheds light on the incredible history of women in boxing and their ongoing fight for equality in sports.
📸: the Canadian Sports Film Festival
