In a Film Threat exclusive, director / co-writer Jasmin Hagendorfer presents another delightful contribution to art cinema from Austrian art/media group monochrom, in the form of her short film, burdened with glorious purpose, Slugfest.
On a gymnasium mat, two women wearing traditional white Karate Gi uniforms and red belts square off in a martial arts match. One blonde (Julija Kosak) and one brunette (Nina Dafert) engage in physical and verbal battle, making points around traditional versus emerging feminist challenges to the extant longstanding patriarchy. The blonde fighter represents the historic, rigid, old-guard tenets of the women’s movement, while the brunette expands and illuminates those ideals with updated approaches to feminism. She ripostes with arguments that include intersectionality and acknowledgement of racial and class issues inside feminism, as well as suggesting that gender is a social construct. This “TERF” war is where the heretofore civil practice session begins to get heated. These layers of spirited sisterly debate and skillful physical battle are interrupted by the appearance of “Literally Every Man,” played by one of our favorite filmmakers (who is also co-writer here), Johannes Grenzfurthner. The man demands to know why these ladies are squatting on the traditionally male combat trope.
“…engage in physical and verbal battle…making points around traditional versus emerging feminist challenges to the extant longstanding patriarchy.”
In her notes, Hagendorfer writes: “Slugfest emerges as a playful, engaging martial arts experience that delves into the ‘inner-feminist struggles‘ that have characterized recent years and decades. Yet, unlike narratives of division, this film champions the concept of unity, emphasizing the dire need for solidarity and deeper mutual respect within feminist discourse. The film’s central motif is a stylized, choreographed sparring training that, while aimed at empowerment and self-discovery, can sometimes escalate beyond control. This metaphorical approach isn’t about antagonism but represents the passionate debates that fuel progress and understanding, even when they momentarily seem to get out of hand.”
Hagendorfer’s intention is to provide “a cinematic guide to defending one’s own position.” Her film packs a lot into five and 1/2 minutes. The characters act out the increasingly complex and specific challenges women are compelled to debate when discussing feminism, while at the same time dealing with the simian, reductive nature of men. It is funny, insightful, sarcastic, and edifying. A viewer just might learn something while being entertained, if they are not careful.
Learn more at the official slugfest website.
"…In the dance of debate, we find strength in solidarity"
