Changing the Game

Changing the Game is a compelling, raw, and powerful documentary chronicling the lives, struggles, and victories of three high school transgender athletes in America. Premiering in 2019, the film introduces audiences to the riveting lives of Mack Beggs, Sarah Rose Huckman, and Terry Miller, whose personal battles don't end in playing fields, tracks, or gymnasiums but extend into society and its perception of them.

The narrative revolves around these three individuals hailing from different regions, but united by their shared experiences as athletes who are also transgender. They challenge the stigmas and prejudice prevalent in the sports industry and beyond, displaying extraordinary bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.

Mack Beggs, a two-time Texas State wrestling champion, easily becomes one of the central figures of the film. High atop a mountain of his accomplishments is his successful struggle to compete in the division of his identified gender. This storyline is particularly appealing because of the controversy stirred up around it. Beggs would rather wrestle with boys, but state guidelines compel him to wrestle against girls, causing a storm of controversy.

Sarah Rose Huckman is a vivacious young woman from New Hampshire. She is a skiing enthusiast and wants to make her skiing team in high school. However, Huckman's life isn't just about any ordinary teenager trying to fit into a competitive sports team. She needs to prove her abilities in a field which seems to be suspicious of her very right to participate in the sport.

Terry Miller, a sprinter from Connecticut, confronts similar challenges as Beggs and Huckman. Belonging to a state that allows transgender athletes to compete without restriction, Miller dominates the female track events, leading the local community into polarizing debates on fairness in sports.

Each athlete present in Changing the Game brings forth a different aspect of the issue, spotlighting the intersection of gender, race, and identity politics in high school sports. The documentary, directed by Michael Barnett, refuses to limit itself to the physicality of sports and moves into the deeply personal aspects of these young athletes' lives.

Barnett deep-dives into the emotional landscapes of these athletes which are sometimes turbulent, other times hopeful, but always sincere. The beauty of Changing the Game lies in its ability to humanize a topic that, for many, is predominantly academic or legal. Audiences are invited to witness the tenderness of these teenagers' lives, from their family relationships and friendships to their dreams and struggles.

The film is not shy about tackling the touchy subject of transgender rights and discrimination. The debate around transgender athletes’ participation in sports in accordance with their identified genders is adequately addressed in the documentary, with attention given to both supporting and opposing views.

The documentary is visually enticing as well, with colorful and vibrant cinematography that evokes a poignantly contrasting backdrop to the dark and tough battles fought by its protagonists. Be it the snowy New Hampshire landscapes or the green tracks of Connecticut, the film beautifully juxtaposes these athletes' personal travails against the different backdrop of the four seasons.

Changing the Game gives an eye-opening and intimate look at a reality seldom discussed within mainstream media channels, tackling such a nuanced and complex topic with grace and empathy. The stories of Beggs, Huckman, and Miller are masterfully interwoven, conveying the message that while their journey might be grueling, their spirit remains unscathed.

Purposefully away from sensationalism, the film tackles the subject matter with candor and depth in utter regard for the lived experiences of its subjects. By presenting scarce and often overlooked perspectives, Changing the Game transcends the traditional boundaries of sports documentaries. By the end, viewers are left not only with a broader understanding of the issues that transgender athletes face but with an emotional connection to these young champions, both on and off the field.