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Trans film ‘Changing The Game’, released to coincide with Trans Day of Remembrance, sheds light on realities for trans teen athletes

Graham Robson October 31, 2024

Lead Pic: Mack Beggs

Primetime Emmy-nominated documentary CHANGING THE GAME  a journey of family, sports, love and life, which follows the lives of three transgender high school athletes, will be released on all UK streaming platforms from November 20 to coincide with for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Directed by Michael Barnett and produced by Alex Schmider and Clare Tucker, CHANGING THE GAME takes us into the lives of three high school athletes — all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. Each athlete competes inspiringly in their fields, challenging the boundaries and perceptions of fairness.

Their stories span Sarah, a skier and teen policymaker, to Andraya, a track star whose story sparked strong media attention, and Mack Beggs, who made headlines when he became the Texas State Champion in wrestling and was heralded as a hero by some while receiving hate and threats from others.

These teens, in playing the sports they love, receive hate and threats, in person and online. However, despite the challenges they face up against, their authenticity is undeniable.

The film had its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, where Senior Programmer Lucy Mukerjee wrote: “Trans athletes have to work harder than their cisgender peers in order to thrive in their field while also having the courage and resilience to face daily harassment and discrimination. The kids in this film have found sports as a way to channel the negativity around them into a positive, to gain a sense of self-worth and validation. This film is their urgent, articulate plea for acceptance.”

Director Michael Barnett added: “We are thrilled that the film will be released on streaming platforms in the UK and we hope the film opens up meaningful and important conversations around acceptance, not only on the field but across all areas of our daily lives.”

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