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Equal the Contest

When a non-binary filmmaker joins a new local women's footy club in Regional Victoria a simple desire to play becomes a complex journey of inclusion and belonging. An unexpected turn means the team has to fight to play. Their campaign challenges age old sporting traditions and joins the wider movement for gender equity.

  • Mitch Nivalis
    Director
  • Mitch Nivalis
    Writer
  • Mitch Nivalis
    Key Cast
    "Film maker and player"
  • Louise Conwell
    Key Cast
    "Club President"
  • Alana Wearne
    Key Cast
    "Club Vice President"
  • Sam Henty
    Key Cast
    "Club Treasurer"
  • Gabe Smith
    Key Cast
    "Club Secretary"
  • Lil Waters
    Key Cast
    "Coach"
  • Mavis Thompson
    Key Cast
    "1948 footy player"
  • Kerry "Herbie" Herbison
    Key Cast
    "Volunteer coordinator"
  • Tadpole
    Key Cast
  • Tony Coombs
    Producer
  • Mitch Nivalis
    Producer
  • Alex Kelly
    Associate Producer
    In My Blood It Runs, Queen of the Desert, This Changes Everything, The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Sport, LGBTIQ, Gender, Equality, women, human rights
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 17 minutes 25 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 29, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    16,000 AUD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Australia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival
    Castlemaine
    Australia
    June 17, 2023
    World Premiere
  • Queer Screen Film Festival
    Sydney
    Australia
    August 27, 2023
    Sydney Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Lisbon Sport Film Festival
    Lisbon
    Portugal
    October 21, 2023
    Portugal Premiere
  • QDoc Film Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    November 5, 2023
    North America Premiere
  • Melbourne Queer Film Festival
    Melbourne
    Australia
    November 19, 2023
    Melbourne Premiere
    Best First Feature: Documentary
  • Geelong Pride Film Festival
    Geelong
    Australia
    April 19, 2024
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Umbrella Entertainment
    Distributor
    Country: Australia
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV
Director Biography - Mitch Nivalis

Mitch is a filmmaker and photographer who's work centres around social change, particularly in the spaces of gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Their first short documentary film was released independently in 2017, titled The Wonder of Improvisation. This was a story about New York born, Ballarat based Al Wunder and his legacy of improvised movement in Australia and around the world.

Mitch's first feature length documentary, Equal the Contest follows their experience learning to play AFL with the Mt Alexander Falcons football club and their challenge to be accepted to play in the Central Victorian community football league.

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Director Statement

While AFLW moves forward with velocity, barriers still exist for women and gender-diverse people wanting to play AFL in regional Victoria. Through Equal the Contest, a wildly diverse group of people who cross the spectrum of age, body shape, gender identity, sexuality and skill level come together to courageously challenge notions of what it is to play football, how football is played and who has the right to play it. Immersing myself in the experience as both film maker and player, I hope to provide a perspective of the game that's never been seen before.