Mishcon de Reya and PGIM are partnering with the British Film Institute (BFI) on BFI Flare, the largest LGBTIQ+ film festival in Europe. The partnership includes hosting a special film screening of American film Changing the Game on Wednesday 25 March 2020 as part of the festival.
Changing the Game is a compelling account of the hard-won victories by trans teenage athletes competing across America. This action-packed documentary reveals the lives of three major contenders in high-school wrestling, skiing and track sports. These young athletes have been making headlines for their activism, victories in competition and the battles they face being publicly out. Displaying extraordinary feats of courage and motivation, their fiercely protective family networks (including an amazing police grandmother who raised the wrestler Mack Beggs) truly demonstrates the positive power of acceptance and support. A lot depends on individual state law. In progressive Connecticut, track star Andraya is allowed to compete on the women’s team, but in Texas Mack is forced to wrestle on the team according to his gender assigned at birth. Changing policies and calmly standing up to haters, these teenage pioneers deserve multiple gold medals.
Claire Manches, VP, Corporate Counsel at PGIM, said: “Diversity and inclusion matters in our thinking, in our investments and in our people. We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with BFI Flare: London Film LGBTIQ+ Festival 2020 and together with Mishcon de Reya give a platform for such a wonderful and important documentary."
Mark Reading, Co-Head of Mishcon de Reya's Pride Network, said: "Cinema has the ability to transcend cultural and social barriers, and our partnership with the BFI is about challenging traditions, enforcing accountability in governance, and generating discussion around important issues within the LGBTIQ+ arena. This documentary is both pertinent and enlightening in its portrayal of transgender youth, and it's a real privilege to support this film alongside PGIM."
To find out more about BFI Flare, please click here.
For more information, please contact Stephen Rowe.