FIGHT LIKE A GIRL – UK PREMIERE EVENT Including Live Q&A with Ama Qamata & Matt Leutwyler Hosted by Lesley Sackey

Award-winning boxing drama from director Matthew Leutwyler is more than a film. It is a story of survival, identity, and reclaimed power.

Set in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, the film follows a young woman who escapes forced labour in an illegal mine and discovers strength, community, and purpose inside a women’s boxing club built for survivors of war and gender-based violence.

Starring Ama Qamata and Hakeem Kae-Kazim, the film blends raw cinematic storytelling with real lived experience, shot on location in North Kivu with women whose realities mirror the story on screen. At its heart, this is not just about fighting in a ring. It is about what it means to fight for yourself.

Inspired by the life of Balezi “Kibomango” Bagunda, a former child soldier turned boxing champion who built spaces for women to reclaim strength, the film also stands as a tribute to his legacy following his tragic death during conflict in eastern Congo.

Following the screening, audiences will be invited to an exclusive live Q&A featuring lead actor Ama Qamata - internationally recognised for her breakout performances and growing global profile - alongside director Matt Leutwyler, whose work brings raw emotion and authenticity to the screen.

The discussion will be hosted by former GB gold medallist boxer Lesley Sackey, whose own work empowering women through boxing and recovery programmes makes her uniquely connected to the film’s themes of courage, recovery, and reclaiming strength.

Five Stars from UK Film Review: “immersing the viewer into a new world, deep in the DRC, that few have experienced or seen before”

Cath Clarke, The Guardian: “Fiercely authentic”

“A powerful, heart-wrenching true story”

“Earnest heartfelt drama that doesn’t look away from the horror, but chooses to focus on the strength and resilience of women and girls.” programmes makes her uniquely connected to the film’s themes of courage, recovery, and reclaiming strength.