Chellina / da Beast

Chellina is a kickboxer, and no run-of-the-mill one at that. This barely 15-year-old girl is a four-time Dutch national champion. She’s fought in 32 matches, winning 22 and losing just three – seven were draws. There’s a downside to all those victories, though, because it’s getting harder to find opponents for her. Potential adversaries back out at the last minute when they hear they’re going to have to fight Chellina. While the desperate search continues for fresh opposition – if necessary from a higher level – Chellina trains on. This sport is her life’s passion, she explains, with stylized shots of her moves on a flat roof overlooking the city. While doing her makeup in front of the mirror, she explains to her younger sister that her motivation comes from being bullied as a child. Then the moment arrives at last, when they find an opponent for Chellina in the "Over 16" category. The camera follows her as training intensifies in preparation for the match. Step by careful step the film builds up towards the apotheosis, and behind the scenes, where almost exclusively men are hanging around, the tension is palpable. Chellina is ready to go – but where's her opponent? (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)