Backspot

Riley (Devery Jacobs) is the formidable backspot on her mid-level cheerleading squad, until professional coach Eileen McNamara (Evan Rachel Wood) gives her an opportunity to join the Thunderhawks, a high performance All-Star team.

Young, ambitious, and fiercely in love with her girlfriend Amanda (Kudakwashe Rutendo), Riley would be on top of the world if only she could get her crippling anxiety under control. Desperate to be heard and appreciated, two qualities her home life severely lacks, Riley will do anything to ingratiate herself to her new coach. Overwhelmed, obsessive and with a competition looming, this young, queer athlete must decipher her own voice from the women around her, and form a healthier relationship to the sport that she loves.

FILM INFORMATION

• Screenwriter: Joanne Sarazen
• Director: D.W. Waterson
• Screening Duration: 92mins
• Age Rating: 18
• Country of Origin: Canada
• Language: English

The YES: PINK SCREENING ROOM is a space at SCENE dedicated to showcasing the best features and shorts of the year alongside Q&As and panels from the top LGBTQ+ creatives behind them - with a focus on championing new and upcoming film makers and subjects from the all part of the LGBTQIA community. This screening is supported by Film Hub North with National Lottery funding on behalf of the BFI Film Audience Network.