Chatham Community Library will host a virtual film screening of Category: Woman (2022), beginning Thursday, June 20, and continuing through Thursday, June 27, 2024.

After then 18-year-old South African runner Caster Semenya's victory at the 2009 World Championships, her personal medical records were leaked to the international media. The public scrutiny of her body, driven by racism and sexism, brought into question her identity as a woman and as a a great champion.

The International Amateur Athletics Federation (now World Athletics) ruled that certain female athletes must medically alter their healthy bodies in order to compete, and their naturally high androgen levels were deemed a performance advantage. Category: Woman follows four athletes forced out of competition by regulations that profile and target women athletes, and the subsequent devastation to their bodies, and livelihoods. But these individuals are emboldened by a conviction to stand up against this violation of their human rights.

Film Highlights and Awards:

• AIPS Sport Media Award - Best Video Documentary
• Nominated, Rockie Award
• Donald Brittain Award - Best Social Political Film
• Hot Docs Canadian Documentary Film Festival
• Doc NYC
• Canadian Sport Film Festival
• Atlantic Film Festival

Access to the virtual screening will be available beginning Thursday, June 20, at the following URL: https://www.wmm.com/virtual-screening-room/category-woman-watch-page-for-chatham-community-library/

A password is required at the time of viewing.  

Please contact social.library@chathamlibraries.org to request the password or for additional information.

This program is free and open to the public.