Changing the Game, 2019
Directed by Michael Barnett
Starring: Mack Beggs, Sarah Rose Huckman,Terry Miller, Andraya Yearwood, Ngozi Nnaji
SYNOPSIS:
Transgender high school athletes from across the country compete at the top of their fields, while also challenging the boundaries and perceptions of fairness and discrimination.
Serving as a clarion call to raise awareness and celebrate excellence in sporting endeavour, Emmy nominated documentary Changing the Game is a powerful and compassionate film.
Made in 2019 and now brought out for a digital release, the doc has lost none of its insight into the competitive and personal lives of transgender high school athletes. The film looks at the motivations behind the will to compete, with the backdrop of family, friends and schooling all present in the stories.
Trans athletes face a double challenge; not only are they competing within their chosen field to be the best that they can, but they are also contending with daily discrimination and ignorance. The film focuses on three athletes; Sarah, a skier and driven policymaker, Andraya, a track runner whose story sparked strong media attention, and Mack Beggs, a wrestler who received both high praise and damaging negativity when he became the Texas State Champion.
Changing the Game shines a light on these teens, who despite the incredible challenges faced, have continued to perform and compete against the odds. Constantly challenging assumptions and perceptions, the athletes are inspirational in showing just what is possible with determination and belief.
One aspect that comes through clearly in the film is the importance of a support system. All three teens in the film enjoy positive relationships within their family groups, while the challenging aspects of family identity are also commented upon.
But above all else, the film showcases the positivity of sports. It’s not only the motivation and discipline required to get to the heights of each event, it is also the sheer joy of playing, competing and exercising. This natural universal desire is illustrated wonderfully well, with all the excitement of sports and games played out.
The serious side of fighting for the right to compete, with the intense emotional and psychological challenges faced by the youngsters is also given proper weight. One is left with an encouraging feeling that understanding and empathetic responses to the issues raised will become more and more likely as communication grows.
The film is sure to be an important starting point for conversation, especially in the weeks and months after the recent Olympic Games. Awareness of trans rights is growing all the time, and this well-made and produced doc provides a look at the battles and triumphs experienced by young trans competitors.
CHANGING THE GAME is released on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies and TV, and YouTube Movies 20th November for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk
