On Sundays from June 25 through August 20, Christie Pits Film Festival will present a series called EYES ON THE PRIZE, films about competition and beating the odds.

C-H-R-I-S-T-I-E! Christie Pits is the place to be! There may be no more fiercely competitive showdown in the Eyes on the Prize programme than the Southern California high school cheerleading tournaments depicted in the cult hit BRING IT ON. Two teams - a rich, white squad from San Diego, and a cutting-edge, Black squad from East Compton - go head to head, ruthlessly vying for the national championship trophy. In between spectacularly choreographed performances, Bring it On also manages to work in a timely commentary of cultural appropriation and the power of female friendship, largely thanks to Jessica Bendinger’s biting screenplay. The short film pairing DOWN AND DERBY paints a portrait of the women of Ottawa’s roller derby scene, offering a glimpse into the physical and mental dedication required to get in the game, and stay in it.

Films @ Sundown (9pm)

Eats & Treats @6pm by The Arepa Republic, Millie Patisserie & Creamery, Little Havana Cafè & popcorn at the festival canteen

Free / PWYC (donations gratefully accepted), not a ticketed event

BYOBlanket

Accessible venue

Films are screened with captioning whenever possible

Bring It On, directed by Peyton Reed, 2000

Down and Derby, directed by Sarah Boothroyd, 2008