Montreal had the honor of hosting a groundbreaking screening on Tuesday night that is sure to inspire change.
Award-winning filmmaker Michèle Hozer and soccer legend Diana Matheson united to present “The Pitch” at Cinéma du Musée. This documentary sheds light on the establishment of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league.
The film offers viewers an inside look at the formation of the Northern Super League (NSL) and a movement that is revolutionizing gender equality in Canadian sports.
Emmy-nominated filmmaker Michèle Hozer shared, “When we first embarked on this journey, there was a significant shift happening in Canadian sports, with a particular focus on soccer. It became evident how unfairly these women were being treated.”
Directed by Montreal native Michèle Hozer, “The Pitch” chronicles Matheson’s transition from the soccer field to the boardroom. As an Olympic medalist and co-founder of the NSL, Matheson faced the challenge of kickstarting a national women’s soccer league from scratch.
Diana Matheson expressed her gratitude for Hozer’s involvement, stating, “Michelle beautifully captured the league’s development and the narrative of Canadian women’s soccer, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of women dedicated to growing the sport in our nation.”
With the support of influential figures like Christine Sinclair, Matheson’s goal to promote fair play evolved into a compelling story of perseverance, collaboration, and enduring transformation.
The Northern Super League was officially launched in April with six founding clubs, including Montreal’s Roses FC.
Following the screening, Hozer and Matheson participated in a panel discussion, delving into the obstacles and possibilities of establishing a professional women’s soccer league in Canada.
The event also featured Marinette Pichon, sporting director of the Montreal Roses FC, and Amy Walsh, Olympian and soccer analyst, who moderated the conversation. The panel underscored how “The Pitch” aspires to instigate change on and off the field, emphasizing equality, accessibility, and the increasing backing for women’s sports nationwide.
The screening in Montreal was part of a national tour across six cities, with additional showings in Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, Halifax, and Toronto.
Moreover, the documentary has been showcased at various film festivals in North America, including the Windsor International Film Festival, QDoc in Portland, Ore., and the Calgary Justice Film Festival.
Director Michèle Hozer left the audience with an inspiring message, “The key takeaway is to pursue your dreams. Look at Diana Matheson; despite the doubters, she persevered and found her supporters. For anyone with a dream, surround yourself with believers because achieving it is absolutely possible.”
