Iranian-Canadian boxer Nyousha Nakhjiri’s quest to become an Olympian — and how her efforts inside and outside the ring represent more than just sport — forms the basis for director Mackenzie Stannard’s Constant Battles. We posed our Qs à la mode to Mackenzie, and here’s what he shared!
If I had to describe my film using only three adjectives, they would be: Heartfelt, visceral, unexpected.
I wanted to make this film because: I was originally drawn to Nyousha’s story because I identified with her struggle to overcome anxiety in the ring in order to reach her full potential and reach her goal. The film became about much more, and with each turn I became fascinated with the topics of ADHD and the Woman Life Freedom movement.
The thing that surprised me most while making my film was: To learn that I have ADHD. While learning about Nyousha’s ADHD, I realized I had been living with it, undiagnosed, for my entire life. While making the film I was diagnosed and treated. It changed my life.
My favorite moment/scene/sequence in my film is: When Eleh, Nyousha’s mother, is telling the story of her youth spent in a prison in Iran. The subject is heavy, everyone in the room felt the emotion, and I am incredibly thankful to Eleh for sharing her story with us.
My most invaluable piece of doc-making equipment was/is: My own two feet. No piece of tech compares to the ability to walk into a room, visit your subject in person, and be present. I joined Nyousha’s boxing gym and was learning all sorts of new footwork to better understand her world.
My must-have snack to get me through hours in the editing room is: Hard-boiled eggs. Everyone else might hate me for eating them, but there is no better cure for a case of hangry than a hard-boiled egg.
One piece of documentary-filmmaking advice I’d like to share with aspiring documentarians is: Lean on others to help you make your films, but always speak up to ensure the version of the film you want to make and the story you want to tell doesn’t get lost in other people’s vision. There are thousands of ways to make a film, but you have to choose one — so make the film you would want to watch and work with people who also want to watch that version of the film.
Want to check out Mackenzie’s film or just learn more about it?
Get the scoop, and your tickets, here!
