Diana Guzman begins to train as a boxer and achieves impressive success, blazing new trails for female boxers, all while keeping it a secret from her father.

Karyn Kusama

Known for her work in horror with ‘JENNIFER’S BODY’ and ‘THE INVITATION’ Karyn Kusama made her feature directorial debut with the sports drama ‘GIRLFIGHT’. While tackling the sexist stereotypes concerning female athletes, the film also explores the world outside of boxing through a coming-of-age love story. 

Making the film took Kusuma several years due to her unwillingness to compromise her desires surrounding the film’s central character. The role was given to Michelle Rodriguez which was notably her first audition and as such, kickstarted her career. 

Kusama claims the idea for ‘GIRLFIGHT’ came from learning how to box herself. While awaiting production, she would assist screenwriters, babysit and paint houses, but soaked up her free time in museums, watching movies, reading and writing. Kusama credits her connection to art during this time as giving her hope to continue her creative endeavors despite not seeing immediate results.