In this groundbreaking documentary about the power of female community, coach Donna Lyon brings us into the ring of her program Left Write Hook, a Victorian based support group for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Tracking the experiences of eight survivors of childhood sexual abuse, they combine boxing and creative writing to reclaim the stories of their past.
Emotionally charged and deeply moving, this documentary paints an intimate portrait of these women’s experiences in the Left Write Hook support group. Meeting weekly in a Melbourne gym, they build their boxing skills with a focus on the emotions of release and determination that are ingrained in the sport. Then, unpacking memories and emotions on the page, with writing techniques and prompts such as “To punch is to’ or, “What I really wanna say is”, the space becomes one that is truly transformative, for both the body and the mind. Poetic and raw, these pieces of writing are read aloud and experienced by the group, captivated in scenes which are both heartbreaking and empowering.
Supported by the Miff Premiere Fund, Left Write Hook was also this year’s winner of the Intrepid Audience Award.
Dona Lyon began the Left Write Hook support group charity in 2019. Looking to connect with other survivors, she designed the program to cultivate a space for the expression and release of trauma. The eight week program combines boxing skills with creative writing, to dig deep into the experiences of these women’s childhoods. Australia is amid a domestic violence epidemic; now more than ever it’s incredibly important to elevate and give a voice to the lifelong reality of these issues, and support systems in place, such as the Left Write Hook initiative.
by Madison Stephens
Left Write Hook
MIFF 2024