SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! In today’s post-pandemic cinematic world, documentaries are everywhere. Almost every streaming service takes advantage of viewers’ current obsessions, so a large percentage of these films fall under the “true crime” label. While human interest docs can still be found, their numbers have, sadly, dwindled. Amongst the enormous blitzkrieg of murderous spouses and dangerous cult leaders being offered up on an almost weekly basis, it is refreshing to experience Ravit Markus’ Nina is an Athlete, which tells the undeniably involving story of Israeli wheelchair badminton champion Nina Gorodetsky and her goal to represent Israel in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
The documentary is intimate and inspiring as we follow Gorodetsky on her three-year journey to achieve her dream of competing and being the best wife and mother she can be. Born in the Eastern European transcontinental country of Georgia, Gorodetsky’s family immigrated to Israel when she was 11. She spent her grade school years fighting “with boys and girls” who bullied her for being an outsider. At 17, she was involved in a car accident that paralyzed Gorodetsky from the waist down, leading to life in a wheelchair.
Approaching her 40th birthday, Gorodetsky’s biological clock is ticking, and while she already has one son, she desires to have another child before it is too late. She certainly has an infectious drive. Watching Gorodetsky navigate training, marriage, motherhood, and a sickly father gives viewers insight into the strength found in this woman’s soul.
“…Israeli wheelchair badminton champion Nina Gorodetsky and her goal to represent Israel in the 2020 Paralympics…”
The most powerful moment of Nina is an Athlete is its most simple presentation. Gorodetsky lays in bed, seeming quite comfortable and cozy. With the camera next to the bed, the athlete tells the heartbreaking story of the accident that paralyzed her. There is a warmth in the acceptance she has found in what happened. It is evident the time for pain has long passed, and Gorodetsky chose to live. There is no “Why me?” proclamation to be found, as she is not that type of person. One can assume she had those understandable moments of doubt long ago, and it is unimaginable to imagine what she has been through. While there are still times of frustration (a frank argument between Gorodetsky and her husband shows how difficult it can be for her), Gorodetsky has no time for self-pity. There is a life to be lived, and she will be in control as best she can.
While training and motherhood (real-time and impending) fill her life, Gorodetsky’s drive to compete gets the monkey wrench that was the COVID-19 pandemic. All her hard work hits a wall, and we watch as Gorodetsky is forced to wait, unsure when the competition will resume. It is almost heartbreaking to watch such a committed, driven athlete and human being sidelined once again. The halting of the Olympic training mirrored the car accident that forced a pause on Gorodetsky’s young life.
Markus captures the completeness of Gorodetsky’s life, from marriage to motherhood to national hero. The film doesn’t use, nor needs, directorial flourishes to tell Gorodetsky’s story. There is nothing saccharine to be found here. No manipulation is needed. The filmmaker’s commitment to capturing her subject’s unstoppable spirit is enough.
Nina is an Athlete is a respectful documentary that moves and inspires. The director captures Nina Gorodetsky’s passion for her family and career with a natural affection.
Nina is an Athlete screened at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival.
"…moves and inspires."
