Canadian Documentary ‘The Pitch’ Shines Spotlight on Women’s Soccer

The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) showcased the documentary The Pitch on September 26, 2023, at the Grand Theatre. This film dives into the complexities surrounding the establishment of Canada’s first women’s professional soccer league, featuring insights from Canadian Olympic soccer medallist Diana Matheson.

During the screening, Christine Sinclair, a prominent figure in Canadian soccer, praised Matheson for her pivotal role in creating a professional league. “Here in Canada, we needed a professional league, and Diana just went and built it from scratch,” Sinclair remarked, highlighting the determination necessary to advance women’s sports in the country.

Documenting a Historic Journey

The documentary, directed by Michèle Hozer, aims to provide a comprehensive view of the development of women’s soccer in Canada. Matheson articulated that while the project initially focused on the formation of the Northern Super League, it evolved to reflect a broader narrative. “When you see it, you’ll see we ended up telling the story of Canadian women’s soccer, and that speaks to the journey of women’s sport,” she stated. “It speaks to the journeys of so many women in this country.”

Hozer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the film’s universal themes. “It’s a David and Goliath story,” she said. “Anyone who has a wish, who has a dream, this is the film you need to see.” Her perspective highlights the challenges faced by women athletes and the barriers they overcome in pursuit of their goals.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

The screening was attended by key figures in the local soccer community, including Lara Murphy, CEO of Calgary Wild FC, one of the six teams participating in the inaugural season of the Northern Super League. Following the film, a panel discussion provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with the filmmakers and discuss the implications of the documentary on the future of women’s sports in Canada.

Matheson’s vision and Hozer’s storytelling approach have combined to create a film that resonates far beyond the realm of sports. As Matheson concluded, “I think a lot of people are going to take a lot from it.” The impact of The Pitch extends past entertainment, aiming to inspire a generation of athletes and advocates for women’s rights in sports.