NEW DELHI, APR 01,
It took more than a decade for Ameesha Joshi and Anna Sarkissian, two independent filmmakers from Canada, to document the rise of Indian women boxers.
The iconic Mary Kom is the central figure of the documentary, With This Ring, recently uploaded for public viewing on YouTube. A well-researched effort, it also captures the gripping journey of Sarita Devi and Chhoto Loura, champions from Northeast India.
“I could only imagine the criticism, even ridicule, these young women must have faced, yet, they were winning medals internationally.
They were trailblazers in the truest sense. I admired their strength of character and felt a strong desire to make this film and share their stories around the globe,” says Ameesha, on the reason behind picking women boxers as the subject. The film, shot extensively on location in India and overseas, includes some breathtaking training sessions, apart from footage from the competitions.
Anna was not even interested in boxing as a sport. “I am fascinated by women’s stories, particularly those that are absent from the mainstream. When I found out about these women, and the unconventional directions they have chosen, I knew they would have interesting stories to share — stories worthy of being made into a documentary,” notes Anna.
