Queens of Concrete

Equality does not exist for women in sport. The resulting lack of female participation has become a target of several current federal and state government campaigns designed to engage women in physical activity. Critically, the benefits of physical activity include increased mental and physical wellbeing, but also empowerment through competition especially. QUEENS OF CONCRETE examines the underrepresentation of women in the skateboarding community however, as we’re following three young girls of different ages over five years, the real story is exploring how these girls navigate their adolescence and gender identity in a male dominated culture. Skateboarding emphasises the underlying message to try your best and pick yourself up when you fall down. We believe this is an extremely important message, especially for young women. Female challenges, empowerment, competition, community and comradery are what make this film more than just a sports documentary.

Research shows that women shy away from physical activity, whereas men are encouraged towards it from a young age. This films purpose is largely to inspire and mobilise more women to break into seemingly male spaces, expressing their identity any way they choose. To that end this project seeks to represent empowered women on screen, specifically in sports – enhancing female visibility.

To engage a young female audience – as a celebration of female identity, we aim to showcase the different expressions of what it means to be a young girl. We aspire to send a message that no woman has to conform to either the sport they are a part of or the gender they have been assigned. This film will put genuine pressure on the skate community to become inclusive for all. Skateboarding is portrayed as a counterculture sport where people from different backgrounds get together in an accepting environment. However, shown partly, by the inequality of opportunities and prize money, this mantra is not always exhibited. Tangible impact from QUEENS OF CONCRETE is to demand equal prize money for men and women. Additionally, this film will promote skateboarding as an accessible sport; with the power to engage disadvantaged youth all over the world. Due to this, it is even more prevalent that skateparks are inclusive for all.

We are currently working on partnerships with organisations.

By displaying young women engaged in physical activity, we will contribute to the movement empowering female sport participation. We hope viewers will walk away with a greater understanding of how sport can empower young people and how important it is to not isolate young women from participating. Having known campaigns, initiatives and organisations who promote the participation of young women in sports will allow audiences to have a direct source of how to contribute to the cause.