'All American' Is A Must-See Women's Wrestling Documentary
'All American' Is A Must-See Women's Wrestling Documentary
Learn more about 'All American' — a new women's wrestling documentary everyone should watch.
Women’s wrestling is more than a sport. It’s a movement.
That’s the tagline for Mark Altschul’s soon-to-be-released must-watch women’s wrestling documentary.
The film’s synopsis is this: “In this modern, 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 of the above is true, but that’s a surface-level description of a documentary that captures wrestling’s essence. Filmed over five years from 2017 to 2022, ‘All American’ provides an in-depth look into women’s wrestling, our sense of belonging, and a universal need for acceptance.
And wrestling plays a fundamental role in developing lasting and authentic relationships.
Some of the best moments are interviews with women’s wrestling trailblazers. Afsoon Johnston is front and center when she shares her story of fleeing war-torn Iran to become America’s first female to medal at the World Championships.
There are universally significant quotes that unlock the power of a singularly unique sport.
“I can’t live without wrestling.”
“I’d do anything for wrestling.”
“Wrestling introduced me to my potential.”
“Being a coach is building people up.”
The film’s peak moment is a match between New Yorkers Mia Macaluso and Naomi Henry in the 2018 Cadet National final in Fargo, North Dakota. Mia’s mom, Nikki, messages Naomi after the match—a transcendent interaction that illustrates the lasting bonds within a combat sport.
“I was blown away by these young women when I saw women’s wrestling for the first time,” Altschul said. “I’ve never seen women wrestling like that and these women were incredible. This was a passion project.
“I think I had a responsibility to the women I started filming. I think I had a responsibility to everybody. I really wanted to do this. I couldn’t let it go. It was just in me. It was driving me. I wanted to finish this and I wasn’t going to stop until I did.”
Be patient if you want to watch the film (and you’ll want to watch it). It hasn’t been released yet but there are ways to stay engaged before it hits streaming platforms.
Follow @allamericandoc on Instagram or click this link for updates. If you live in New York City, here is how you can watch on Thursday, December 5.
Watch the interview with Altschul about the film below, then watch the 2018 Cadet National finals match between Macaluso and Henry below to get prepped for the release.
Mark Altschul Interview
