All American

27th TIDF: International Premiere

In this energetic and soulful coming-of-age documentary, Naomi, Jojo, and Arham grapple with economic divides, gender roles, and family dynamics while competing in the fastest-growing high school sport in the country: women’s wrestling. All American follows the lives of three immigrant and first-generation high school female wrestlers, who train and compete against both boys and girls, as their devoted coaches prepare them for competition and lives beyond high school. Family dynamics, economics, and gender roles collide in this underdog story of community and found family. Personal evolution and transformation are forged through challenges encountered on and off the mat over five years of filmmaking, high school, and eventually, college wrestling. Bound together by the perspectives of veteran female wrestlers, the documentary maintains an inspiring tone while confronting the tough realities of trailblazing female athletes and American immigrant families.