SIDELINED: The Fight For Equality in Women’s Basketball
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers WNBL Club, in association with Deakin University, is excited to launch a new documentary series which chronicles their 21-22 Championship winning season. The independently produced four-part series by Undefeater Films will premiere across SBS TV, Fox Sports and Kayo from September 18.
SYNOPSIS
Set against the backdrop of the 42nd season of the Women’s National Basketball league (WNBL). The Deakin Melbourne Boomers take their fight beyond the basketball court to overcome gender inequality, lower pay, balancing a sporting career with other work, racial discrimination, and the constant pressure to justify their existence as female athletes in a sporting a societal landscape dominated by men.
At stake is not only the opportunity to win their first championship in ten years, but to give a voice to these societal issues and make noise in a space which has been quiet for too long.
Sidelined focuses on a handful of interweaving storylines and characters. Underpinned with strong narratives which help build relationships between these characters and the audience.
Director, Adam McKay – an independent filmmaker – was given unrestricted and unprecedented access to the team and captured insights into the commitment and sacrifice these elite sportswomen make to play at the highest level.
“The series shows that while we call the girls professional players, we still have a long way to go to be truly professional in terms of payment, recognition and support.” – Michelle Timms AM, WNBL and WNBA Legend, Hall of Famer
You can catch chapter one of Sidelined: The Fight For Equality in Women’s Basketball on SBS Viceland this Sunday the 18th of September at 4:45.
Sidelined will run for four weeks, with the finale on October 9. Sidelined will also be available on Fox and Kayo a week after release on SBS.
