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CURATOR Pictures, Nike SB, and Skate Like A Girl have joined forces to champion inclusivity and empowerment within the skateboarding community, setting a new benchmark for collaborative ventures that aim to make a positive impact.
Curator Pictures, alongside Nike SB and Skate Like A Girl, is at the forefront of a compelling movement aimed at challenging the status quo within the skateboarding world. "Transenders," a groundbreaking film brought to life by CURATOR Pictures with Nike SB in partnership with Skate Like A Girl, takes the viewers on an exhilarating ride into the heart of the skateboarding scene.
This cinematic masterpiece celebrates the vibrancy and unity of skateboarders, illustrating how the thrill of the ride empowers individuals to unleash their true selves, conquer the stumbles of failure, and soar beyond the heights of fear. It's a bold step towards fostering inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance.
In her latest directorial venture, Diane Russo Cheng offers a deeply personal glimpse into the world of Skate Like A Girl, a nonprofit dedicated to skateboarding. Through the eyes of Alexa, a transgender woman and mentor within the organization, viewers are invited to explore the transformative journey Skate Like A Girl has embarked on over its 22-year history. Utilizing skateboarding as a powerful tool for fostering self-assurance, leadership qualities, and a commitment to social justice, the organization has carved out a space where stories like Alexa’s can flourish.
"The impact and achievements of Skate Like a Girl, alongside those of unconventional skaters, are both immeasurable and eternal," states Kristin Ebeling, the organization's Executive Director. Russo Cheng, a queer female filmmaker, brings a unique blend of heartfelt empathy and stark honesty to her work, crafting a film that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant. CURATOR Pictures, a production and creative agency championing female leadership and emphasizing diversity and inclusion, aligns perfectly with this vision. "Our goal is to weave authentic, heartfelt narratives while simultaneously amplifying the voices and careers of those traditionally marginalized in our field," explains Hayley Young, CURATOR's Executive Producer.
In the video, Alexa shares her journey through the skateboarding community in Utah, describing it as highly unwelcoming. Her narrative takes a positive turn upon her arrival in Seattle, where she discovered a flourishing skateboarding culture led by individuals who shared her experiences.
The director skillfully shifted the spotlight to Alexa, capturing her profound journey of self-discovery and belonging in the skateboarding community. As a transgender woman, Alexa found not just acceptance but also a purpose in mentoring, filling a gap that she herself had faced. Skate Like A Girl became her sanctuary, a vibrant place for everyone to freely express themselves and pursue skateboarding without barriers.
Her experience underscored the fleeting essence of skateboarding, instilling in her a deep sense of gratitude for the present moment. Moved by this insight, Alexa vowed in the film to guide the upcoming generation of queer and trans skateboarders, aiming to shield them from the challenges she and her peers encountered initially. As the narrative places a strong emphasis on representation, Alexa looks forward with optimism to the beneficial impact this will have on the community and skateboarding at large.
CURATOR Pictures has mastered the art of storytelling, bringing to light the narratives of transgender skateboarders with the aim of redefining skate parks as inclusive havens for all, irrespective of gender identity. Their dedication to promoting a skateboarding culture that celebrates diversity and empowerment has been a transformative force, breaking down the walls of discrimination and bias. This impactful approach earned the team prestigious recognition, clinching a Platinum award at the 2023 LIT Awards in the Branded Content - Other category, underscoring their excellence in crafting compelling branded narratives.
Credits
Entry Title: Transenders
Entrant Company: CURATOR Pictures
Client: Nike SB and Skate Like A Girl
Winning Category: Branded Content - Branded Content / Other.
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