London 31.01.2025
With the recent inauguration of Trump in the U.S. and his new ‘Two Sexes’ Executive order, this is a particularly distressing time for the LGBTQ+ community. It is devastating to think that this is happening in 2025 after decades of progress but it is a reminder that activism is now more important than ever and complacency is not an option. CHANGING THE GAME is an inspirational story about perseverance despite persecution and a group of talented kids flourishing in their sports while enduring the consequences they face as trans teens for being true to themselves. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a supporter, this film is really worth a watch to learn more about the issues facing young trans people in US today, and since the creation of the film their reality will just have gotten much harder, so whatever your stance is on transgender and sport and if its fair to let transgender women compete with biological women, this film is an important addition to the discourse.
Directed by Michael Barnett (Superheroes, Becoming Bulletproof) and produced by Alex Schmider (Chasing Chasing Amy, Disclosure, Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story) and Clare Tucker (Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War, Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution, The Mars Generation), CHANGING THE GAME takes us into the lives of three high school athletes — all at different stages of their athletic seasons, personal lives, and unique paths as transgender teens. Each athlete competes inspiringly in their fields, challenging the boundaries and perceptions of fairness.
Their stories span Sarah, a skier and teen policymaker, to Andraya, a track star whose story sparked strong media attention, and Mack Beggs, who made headlines when he became the Texas State Champion in wrestling and was heralded as a hero by some while receiving hate and threats from others.
These teens, in playing the sports they love, receive hate and threats, in person and online. However, despite the challenges they face up against, their authenticity is undeniable.
The film was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking, Best Sports Documentary at the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards and a Peabody Award for Documentary. It went on to win the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary, Audience Awards at Outfest Los Angeles for Best Documentary as well as the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival.
The film had its world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival, where Senior Programmer Lucy Mukerjee wrote: “Trans athletes have to work harder than their cisgender peers in order to thrive in their field while also having the courage and resilience to face daily harassment and discrimination. The kids in this film have found sports as a way to channel the negativity around them into a positive, to gain a sense of self-worth and validation. This film is their urgent, articulate plea for acceptance.”
Director Michael Barnett said: “We are thrilled that the film will be released on streaming platforms in the UK and we hope the film opens up meaningful and important conversations around acceptance, not only on the field but across all areas of our daily lives.”
CHANGING THE GAME is released on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies and TV, and YouTube Movies ON January 31st
