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.
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Mitch NivalisDirector
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Mitch NivalisWriter
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Mitch NivalisKey Cast"Film maker and player"
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Louise ConwellKey Cast"Club President"
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Alana WearneKey Cast"Club Vice President"
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Sam HentyKey Cast"Club Treasurer"
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Gabe SmithKey Cast"Club Secretary"
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Lil WatersKey Cast"Coach"
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Mavis ThompsonKey Cast"1948 footy player"
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Kerry "Herbie" HerbisonKey Cast"Volunteer coordinator"
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TadpoleKey Cast
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Tony CoombsProducer
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Mitch NivalisProducer
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Alex KellyAssociate ProducerIn My Blood It Runs, Queen of the Desert, This Changes Everything, The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone
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Project Type:Documentary, Feature
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Genres:Sport, LGBTIQ, Gender, Equality, women, human rights
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Runtime:1 hour 17 minutes 25 seconds
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Completion Date:May 29, 2023
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Production Budget:16,000 AUD
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Country of Origin:Australia
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Country of Filming:Australia
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Castlemaine Documentary Film FestivalCastlemaine
Australia
June 17, 2023
World Premiere -
Queer Screen Film FestivalSydney
Australia
August 27, 2023
Sydney Premiere
Official Selection -
Lisbon Sport Film FestivalLisbon
Portugal
October 21, 2023
Portugal Premiere -
QDoc Film FestivalPortland, Oregon
United States
November 5, 2023
North America Premiere -
Melbourne Queer Film FestivalMelbourne
Australia
November 19, 2023
Melbourne Premiere
Best First Feature: Documentary -
Geelong Pride Film FestivalGeelong
Australia
April 19, 2024
Official Selection
Distribution Information
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Umbrella EntertainmentDistributorCountry: AustraliaRights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Airline, Ship, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV
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.
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.