We attended the Red Carpet Premiere of one of the ESPN Nine for IX Special Screenings, a programme presenting nine documentary films about women in sports directed by outstanding female filmmakers, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of Title IX. This screening presented Jennifer Arnold & Senain Kheshgi’s The Diplomat and Alison Ellwood’s No Limits.
No Limits revolves around Audrey Mestre, a French world record-setting freediver. She suffered scoliosis as a teenager but soon found freedom in the ocean. What began as a simple love for, the water brought about another reason to love it even more: Pipin Ferreras. Her relationship with Ferreras turned from admirer to lover, with the couple marrying in 1999. She joined Ferreras side-by-side, breaking records and becoming a world-class competitor. A challenge is presented, which pushes them to the known boundaries of what is possible. This documentary puts a spotlight on a competitive woman who pushed all boundaries to achieve the impossible. Audrey Mestre passed away in 2002.
Katarina Witt: One of East Germany’s most famous athletes, winning 6 European titles, 4 world championships and back-to-back Olympic gold medals. She become widely known during the height of the Cold War, often described as “the most beautiful face of socialism”. She earned unique benefits in East Germany but also constant surveillance from the Stasi, the notorious secret police force. The Diplomat film chronicles Witt’s courageous fight for her future at home before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Check out the red carpet photos from this joint presentation.
Click photos to enlarge
