Watch Roller Derby

Roller Derby from Kinonation is a thrilling documentary that takes a look at the world of roller derby, a sport that is growing in popularity across the globe. The film captures the energy, excitement, and passion of roller derby, which has emerged as a platform for empowerment and self-expression for women all over the world.

The documentary follows several teams, including the London Rollergirls, as they prepare for and compete in the 2011 Roller Derby World Cup in Toronto, Canada. The teams are made up of athletes from all walks of life and backgrounds, ranging from doctors, lawyers, and office workers to students and stay-at-home moms.

Throughout the film, we get a sense of the camaraderie and sisterhood that exists among the players, who share a love of the sport and a desire to push themselves to the limit. There are scenes of intense training sessions and grueling practices, as well as moments of laughter, bonding, and celebration.

The documentary also delves into the history of roller derby, which has its roots in the 1930s and 1940s and was originally a mixed-gender sport. Over the years, the sport has undergone many changes, becoming more female-dominated and adopting a more athletic and competitive style.

Interviews with some of the sport's pioneers, including Ann Calvello, who was a star player in the 1950s and 60s, give us a sense of its evolution over time. We also hear from modern-day players, who talk about the challenges and rewards of playing roller derby in the 21st century.

One of the most powerful themes of the documentary is the sense of empowerment that roller derby gives to its players. Many of the women discuss how the sport has helped them to discover new strengths and abilities, both on and off the track. They talk about the sense of community and belonging that comes with being part of a roller derby team, and the ways in which the sport has helped them to break down gender stereotypes and challenge societal expectations.

The documentary also sheds light on the competitive side of roller derby, as we watch the teams prepare for the World Cup and see the strategies and tactics involved in the sport. Like any high-level competition, roller derby requires skill, strategy, and teamwork to succeed, and the documentary does an excellent job of capturing the intensity and excitement of the matches.

Overall, Roller Derby from Kinonation is a must-watch for anyone interested in the sport or in women's athletics more broadly. It's an inspiring and engaging film that captures the passion and spirit of roller derby and the remarkable women who play it.