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Directors of LFG, Andrea Nix Fine & Sean Fine. Credit: Change Content. 

KW Exclusive: A letter from the LFG directors

We always tend to tell the story of the underdog. And despite the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s fame and victorious success, this turned out to be a David and Goliath story. But it’s not how we first saw it. While we’d always been enthralled by the unbeatable power and skill of this team, frankly it was a big surprise to learn about the USWNT players’ lawsuit. How could this successful of a team not be valued? Filing their lawsuit against their employer on International Women’s Day, right before the 2019 World Cup, was a controversial and risky move. So, what was really going on? 

Our research revealed a fight that went back decades, really taking root with the infamous ‘99 team of Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy’s era. The current players were carrying the baton for both the former players and the next generation of women everywhere who would be inspired by their fight. It’s a common tale.

Most male-dominated industries (including the film industry and professional sports) are pretty comfortable telling women what they are good at and what they deserve. We felt that the players sharing their own story in their own words, and our embedded day-to-day approach inside the whole “village” (players plus their legal and communications team), would both clarify the facts about this case and share the emotional toll it takes to demand your worth.

U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team forward Megan Rapinoe. Credit: Sean Fine. 

Early in the filmmaking process, it was clear we weren’t going to get the kind of access that we wanted, and ultimately the U.S. Soccer Federation declined to be interviewed on camera. The biggest challenges we faced were how do you make a film about a world-class soccer team when you aren’t allowed in the stadium? How could we convey to the lay audience the ins-and-outs of this complicated, evolving lawsuit?

We took great pains to never compromise the detail and gravity of the information being conveyed. For two years we researched hundreds of court documents, depositions, collective bargaining agreements, and consulted legal scholars, journalists, and the players' legal counsel. We had to ensure that we accurately portrayed the legal arguments and messaging of the U.S. Soccer Federation, despite their lack of active participation in the film. We also engaged in off-camera discussions with them to ensure we knew their outlook and priorities.

We also knew we needed to document a journey that allowed a viewer who may know nothing about this team, soccer, or anything about the lawsuit, to have a fully realized impression of what it took to be these women for the year we followed them. That started with who we chose as characters: we needed the face of their movement, so that’s Megan Rapinoe. We needed the “every player” who sacrifices behind the scenes, so that‘s Jessica McDonald.

Behind the scenes of LFG. Credit: Change Content. 

But we also needed to share the legal acumen and ripple effect of this fight: Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara and Christen Press. For the history: former player Julie Foudy. The conviction, confidence, and swagger these women rely upon to win games and fight their case, inspired our bold direction - the music, graphics, and unapologetic title. They all combine to sweep the audience up into their secret sauce. 

Ultimately, LFG isn’t really a sports film, but a fight for equality that intersects at a time when the whole world is asking different questions about what is and isn’t equality. Our great hope is that this film informs and furthers that conversation. 

- Andrea Nix Fine & Sean Fine, Directors of LFG

LFG premieres tonight ⚽

Watch LFG on Monday, September 6 @ 9 PM ET. The film will be available on demand for seven days following the premiere, available via CNNgo or cable provider platforms.

For more background:

• Learn how Megan Rapinoe is fighting for the next generation
• See how Jessica McDonald is working for more than accolades 
• Read how female athletes are pushing for a level playing field 

How we're remembering 9/11

Twenty years after the September 11th attacks, we remember the heroes, victims and survivors. Last night, CNN Films presented 9/11. Directed by brothers and filmmakers Gédéon and Jules Naudet and retired Manhattan firefighter James Hanlon, the documentary is a minute-by-minute portrayal of the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, from the perspective of the first responders who answered the call on that fateful day. 

9/11 also explores where some of those rescuers are today, and introduces viewers to some of the children and other loved ones of fallen firefighters, many of whom have become firefighters themselves. If you missed the premiere last night, the film is available on demand via HBO Max. 

To commemorate the anniversary, please join our CITIZEN by CNN event: 9/11, 20 Years Later: Remembrance & Ramifications for a special discussion about 9/11 and what it means for America 20 years later. 

The panel includes:

• Dana Bash, CNN Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent 
• Wolf Blitzer, CNN Anchor 
• Jim Sciutto, CNN Anchor and Chief National Security Correspondent
• Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent

The event will be held on Thursday, September 9 @ 12 PM ET. Reserve your spot here.