ABOUT THE FILM

LONG SYNOPSIS

In the testosterone-fueled sport of powerlifting, the last person one expects to see is a slight, 95-pound, nine-year-old Orthodox Jewish girl. Since she began competitively lifting at the age of eight, under the coaching of her father, Naomi “Supergirl” Kutin has consistently shocked spectators and lifters alike, lifting nearly three times her bodyweight and breaking one record after another. Nicknamed “Supergirl” by her parents, she has become an international media sensation, appearing on multiple television shows and amassing thousands of fans on social media.

SUPERGIRL follows Naomi as she prepares for two major life events—her Bat Mitzvah, the symbolic entrance to womanhood in Jewish tradition, and the biggest powerlifting competition of her life, where she is attempting to break a new world record in the 97 pound weight class. Along with the universal struggles of adolescence, Naomi must deal with strict religious traditions, cyberbullying, and health issues. Things take a sudden turn for the worse after a contest, leaving Naomi’s future in powerlifting unknown and her identity thrown into crisis. Can she still be “Supergirl” if she can no longer break world records?

Shot over the course of three years, SUPERGIRL follows Naomi as she comes of age and confronts these challenges. As she grows up, her idea of what it means to be “Supergirl” changes and she begins to take ownership of her identity. She learns to find fulfillment by meeting her own goals, instead of measuring herself against the expectations of others. Ultimately, she learns to accept herself and discovers that her she is as strong inside as she is outside.

SUPERGIRL is not only a coming of age story or a sports film, nor is it solely about religion or women’s empowerment. It is a combination of all of these elements, which makes it dynamic, nuanced and compelling. At its core, SUPERGIRL is a film about growing up and finding your identity. It tells a modern coming of age story about figuring out who you are amidst the pressures of today’s society. The film is about contemporary families and tells a new kind of American story. It’s about embracing your strengths and your differences and holding fast to your beliefs—even in the face of adversity.

FESTIVALS
2016: Hamptons International (World Premiere), DOCNYC; 2017: Slamdance

FESTIVAL TERRITORIES
The World

EXHIBITION FORMATS
DCP, Blu-Ray, DVD