Kick Like a Girl
Synopsis
KICK LIKE A GIRL is a charming and inspiring short documentary about "The Mighty Cheetahs" a third grade girls' soccer team. After the team has an undefeated year in their own division, their coach takes the unusual step of putting the team in the boys' division to give them more competition. The film is narrated by eight-year old Lizzie, a self-described "soccer girl," who does not let juvenile diabetes, elbow blocks or grass stains interfere with her desire to compete. The film follows what unfolds with humor and honesty, revealing what "kick like a girl" means on and off the playing field.
Connect
Learn more about KICK LIKE A GIRL and connect with the film:
The Filmmakers
Jenny Mackenzie Director
Director Jenny Mackenzie holds a bachelor's degree from Brown University, an MSW from Simmons College, and a Ph.D. from the University of Utah. After 20 years on the front lines as a social worker helping to run non-profit organizations, she went back to film school to pursue documentary filmmaking. Jenny's first film, WHERE'S HERBIE? is a touching portrait of a 91-year-old working lobsterman.
Festivals & Awards
Ashland Independent Film Festival 2009
Audience Award
Newport International Film Festival 2008
Audience Award
Reviews
“Absolutely charming!”
-New York Daily News
“Super sweet and eye-opening.”
-Minneapolis Star Tribune
“The documentary KICK LIKE A GIRL is one of the most entertaining short films I've seen.”
-The Salt Lake City Tribune
Outreach
The outreach goal for KLAG is that the film will allow students to examine the concepts of gender equality, teamwork, leadership and “fair play.” The outreach team has developed an educational curriculum which includes a 28 page guide, fact or fiction cards, and classroom discussion / journal questions. Director Jenny Mackenzie has visited schools and universities around the country to give her “Life Lessons” lecture, which includes clips from the film. In addition, they have partnered with Women’s Professional Soccer through a corporate sponsorship with Citibank to promote girls and women in sports. Through this partnership, DVDs will be distributed to over 50,000 individuals at Women’s Professional Soccer games during the 2010 season.
Outreach Resources
National Women’s Soccer League
Partnered with KLAG to distribute DVD’s to fans at games
Boys and Girls Club of America
Positive Coaching Alliance
Women's Sports Foundation
The Women's Sports Foundation advocates for equality, educates the public, conducts research and offers grants to promote sports and physical activity for girls and women.