Rise + Fight Like a Girl + Q&A

Against the backdrop of war, poverty and sexual violence, two stories emerge in these films of overcoming the odds in and out of the ring. Empire Fighting Chance and Afrika Eye invite you to experience the sweet science African style. Rise 22 mins, dir. Jessica J. Rowlands Living on a rubbish dump in Zimbabwe, a charismatic young boy dreams of a life beyond the hardship and uncertainty of his surroundings. When he crosses paths with a reclusive boxing coach, he sees an unlikely opportunity for change and sets out to convince the reluctant man to train him. As an unexpected friendship develops, the two discover they have more in common than either imagined. Through the discipline of boxing, the boy begins to find strength, purpose, and a sense of belonging, while his coach is forced to confront the ghosts of his own past. Inspired by true events and filmed entirely in Zimbabwe with an all-African cast and crew, Rise is a moving story of resilience, mentorship, and the transformative power of human connection. At its heart, it is a celebration of courage, community, and the extraordinary hope that can emerge from the most unlikely places. Fight Like a Girl 118 mins, dir. Matthew Leutwyler Fight Like a Girl follows Safi, a young Congolese woman who escapes forced labor in an illegal mineral mine and finds refuge in the border city of Goma. With nowhere to go, she is drawn into an unlikely community of women training at a boxing club run by former child soldier and champion boxer Balezi “Kibomango” Bagunda. Initially fighting simply to survive, Safi discovers a natural talent for boxing and begins training alongside women whose lives have also been shaped by war, poverty and violence. Under Kibomango’s guidance, the ring becomes a place where she can reclaim control of her life and imagine a future she never thought possible. Filmed on location in eastern Congo, Fight Like a Girl is based on the remarkable true story of Goma’s women boxers and their real-life coach Kibomango, who was killed in 2025 as the ongoing conflict once again engulfed the city. This screening will include an introduction from Afrika Eye and will be followed by a Q&A. More details coming soon.