Watch A Hero for Daisy

"A Hero for Daisy" is a powerful documentary released in 1999 that tells the story of Chris Ernst and her team of female rowers at Yale University who protested against gender inequality in the sport. Directed by Mary Mazzio and narrated by Senator John Kerry, the film showcases how Ernst and her teammates stood up for their rights and inspired a generation of women.

The film opens with footage from the 1970s, where women's rowing was not acknowledged as a sport at the collegiate level. Yale University, like many other institutions, followed the gender-biased status quo and refused to provide equal opportunities for women's athletic programs. However, Ernst and her teammates refused to stand still and watch as their counterparts in other sports enjoyed elaborate facilities and better resources.

The heart of the film is the story of Chris Ernst, who organized a groundbreaking protest in 1976 to demand equality. The Yale women's crew team was slated to compete against top-ranked schools on the Housatonic River in Connecticut, a site notorious for its polluted waters. The women, who were struggling to sustain themselves on meager rations and had no access to locker rooms or toilets, decided to take action.

Ernst urged the team to take a stand by withholding their boats from the races until some demands were met. These demands included improving training facilities, equal funding, and equal access to resources for women's athletics. Ernst's message was simple: Women's sports matter too, and they deserve equal treatment.

The documentary uses archival footage and interviews with the courageous women who took a stand against discrimination. Their story reveals the struggles they faced, from being isolated from male athletes to facing sexual harassment, yet they remained steadfast in their fight for gender equality.

Director Mary Mazzio masterfully showcases Ernst's story through the use of drama and humor, and Senator John Kerry's narration gives the film added credibility. Kerry himself was a member of the Yale crew team, and his presence adds a personal touch to the film. He also provides valuable context on the political climate of the time, including the work Senator Birch Bayh put into Title IX to provide equal opportunities in sports to women. The film also features interviews with other prominent figures, including Billie Jean King and Anita DeFrantz.

The protest, which lasted for over an hour, drew national attention and helped to bring attention to the struggles faced by female athletes. The story of Chris Ernst and her teammates shows that perseverance, courage, and determination can make a significant difference in the fight for justice and equality.

Overall, "A Hero for Daisy" is an inspiring film that sheds light on the history of Title IX and the struggle for gender equality. It is a tale of hope and courage, proving that when women come together, they can make a difference, and their collective voice can break down the institutional barriers that keep them on the sidelines.

A Hero for Daisy is a 1999 documentary with a runtime of 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.