Everyday Activist - Speed Sisters (CIFF 2015)

Posted on Monday, September 14, 2015 at 06:00 PM

Review: Speed Sisters

Movie Review by Everyday Activist X CalgaryMovies.com

Palestine/Israeli conflicts always make me sad, whether I’m reading about in Marcello’s Di Cintio’s book Walls: Travels Along the Barricades, hearing about it from friends who have volunteered in that region or from watching the news. Displaced people, soldiers, tear gas, walls and curfews; it all seems ridiculous that in this day and age we have to go to such extremes rather than make an effort to get along. Many documentaries focus on those issues, which just adds to the depression. Speed Sisters tells the true story of five women, who despite all the violence in their surroundings, have managed to use their passion to carve out a niche in the racing world, inspiring their families and communities to believe something different is possible.

It is easy to see how racing can distract people from the harsh reality of life under occupation. The excitement and novelty of having women racers in a car club adds to the feeling that life can have unexpected surprises. Though it’s not without its challenges, because of the occupation, the erected fences and checkpoints don’t leave a lot of space to practice. The Federation is new, so it isn’t the best regulated. New rules favoring the most media friendly woman seems to pop up during the races. While they are all teammates, the situation often leads to arguments.

The drivers act exactly like sisters, even though they have diverse family circumstances. They love and support each other, but can’t escape competing for the title of fastest female driver. It’s not all about racing either. When one wants to do something stupid like talk to a soldier about his decision to not let them practice driving, the others warn her not to, but ultimately let her do what she wants. Like good sisters they give her the “I told you so speech”, while driving her to the emergency room.

I’m grateful Calgary has two opportunities to watch Speed Sisters. If you don’t want to watch it alone Calgary Movie Nights has people going to both CIFF screenings. I won’t be there, however because like a good activist, I have to walk the talk. I’ll be in Peru volunteering with a Calgary based non-profit called Light Up the World. I found out about them through the Marda Loop Social Justice Film Festival. Every November at the film festival they have an NGO village with organizations such as Light Up the World, CPAWS, Ten Thousand Villages etc.

Speed Sisters screens twice at the 16th Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) 2015, on SATURDAY SEP 26, 2015 @ 2:00 PM AT CINEPLEX EAU CLAIRE 4 and TUESDAY SEP 29, 2015 @ 9:00 PM AT CINEPLEX EAU CLAIRE 3.

Calgary Local Scene Event Listing: Calgary International Film Festival 2015 >