Run It Back

Introducing Run It Back

As Toronto steps into a major year for sport and culture, we’re proud to present Run It Back: A League of Our Own: a 2SLGBTQ+ sports screening series spotlighting stories of teamwork, resilience, gender equity, and Queer community on and off the field.

From iconic underdog tales to films that stretch (and joyfully bend) the definition of both sports and Queer cinema, this series champions the stories too often left on the sidelines.

October Screening: Wrestling, Desire & Finding Your Place

SIGNATURE MOVE

Directed by Jennifer Reeder

English, Urdu, and Spanish with English subtitles

In Chicago, Zaynab (Fawzia Mirza) is a thirty-something American-Pakistani lawyer who lives with and cares for her recently widowed, TV-obsessed mother (legendary Indian actress Shabana Azmi). Alma (Sari Sanchez) is a free-spirited Mexican-American bookshop owner. After meeting in a bar, the two quickly fall into bed with each other and embark on a romance…but problems aren’t far behind. Zaynab’s traditional mother still expects her daughter to marry a man, while Alma finds herself reluctant to get involved with the closeted Zaynab, leaving them at odds despite their strong attraction for each other. And then there’s Zaynab’s latest interest: training in Lucha-style wrestling with a former pro grappler!

From the director: Jennifer Reeder is also known for Knives and Skin (2019), V/H/S/94 (2021), and Perpetrator (2023), bringing her distinctive filmmaking voice across Queer drama, coming-of-age stories, and horror.

OPPONENT (MOTSTÅNDAREN)

Directed by Milad Alami

Farsi and Swedish with English subtitles

In the aftermath of a devastating rumor, Iman and his family were forced to flee Iran. As refugees, Iman, his wife Maryam, and their two daughters end up in a run-down hotel in northern Sweden. When Maryam learns she is pregnant and there is still no movement in the immigration process Iman must do whatever it takes to protect his family. As a wrestler who once represented Iran at the Olympics, a local wrestling club may be the solution to their problem. However, wrestling – and one sparring partner in particular – ignite old feelings and Iman must choose between his own desires and the safety of his family.

From the director: Milad Alami made his feature debut with The Charmer (2017), followed by Opponent (2023). His filmmaking explores questions of identity, belonging, and the complexities of life between cultures.