Part of a series of films for Samsung x CNN, telling stories of inclusivity and accessibility…
This one centers around Reese Scott, a career-changer who became enamored with boxing, then went on to open the first women’s boxing gym in New York City. Reese is not only an incredible presence, she is also a humbly imperfect spirit — someone who is forever evolving into a clearer version of herself.
I watched Reese work on four hours sleep, keeping spirits high across classes with Parkinson’s patients, high schoolers and her regular women’s group. And I witnessed her open up about her evolution, from hopeful student to trusted teacher, all in the name of giving women a safe space to learn. It’s the first shoot I’ve been on where the crew was brought to tears while filming.
I’m thankful to a team who braved an apocalyptic rainstorm in the middle of the shoot, and to Reese, who represents boxing in ways that remind me why I fell in love with it. Honor, discipline, and dignity, all sharpened through sacrifice. It’s a sport for the strong among us, who are made Stronger Together.
Director: Dan Buyanovsky
AD: Alysha Pamphile
DP: Sammy Suh
Gaffer: Suki Nojima
Key Grip: Esteban Veras
Steadi Op: Franz Brun
ACs: George Du, Arjun Bajaj
Production Stylist: Amy Auslander
PAs: Edlyn Louis, Rich Buchanan
Covid Officer: David Sweet
Media Manager: Aituar Nugmetullin
Audio: Lauren Banjo
HMU: Lauren Bridges
Trainer: Stacia
Edit/Color: Benjamin New
Sound Mix: Robin Newman
Producers: Matt Cohen, Eric Rhee
Production: Point Seven Labs
Agency: CNN Create
