Lift Like a Girl

Lift Like a Girl is an inspiring and compelling Egyptian movie directed by Mayye Zayed, released in 2020. The film embraces the theme of female empowerment, evoking an inspiring narrative about strength, resilience, and overcoming expectations in a society often dominated by gender stereotypes.

The film centers around Zebiba, a young Egyptian girl who dreams of becoming a professional weightlifter. Zebiba, which means "raisin" in Arabic, is every bit as tough and resilient as her name implies. She harbors a fierce determination to succeed and fulfill her potential in a sport synonymous with men in many societies across the globe.

Shot over the course of four years, Lift Like a Girl offers a powerful portrayal of Zebiba's life and training under her passionately supportive coach, Captain Ramadan. Ramadan is ex-Olympian who is determined to create world-class female weightlifters in the heart of Alexandria, Egypt. With his guidance, Zebiba trains in the streets, in an open-air gym, where he has been training world champion female weightlifters for over two decades.

Through her journey, Zebiba struggles not only with the physical demands of competitive weightlifting but also with the societal pressures and the emotional toll it takes on her, showcasing the weight of disruption in tradition and the breaking of gender norms. The film beautifully captures the essence of her journey, from grueling physical training to dealing with the realities of growing up in a society filled with gender preconceptions.

Mayye Zayed captures the story with raw authenticity and warmth making the audience invested in Zebiba's journey. Her documentary approach results in an intimate and candid look at the strength and tenacity of a young girl determined to make her mark in a male-dominated field.

The narrative is supported by Mayye’s choice of using a vérité style of shooting, giving the story a distinctive cinéma vérité quality. These elements, combined with moments of reflection and tense competitive highlights, give the film an engaging rhythm. The director’s choice of letting the story unfold naturally, without excessive commentary or manipulative editing, allows for the authenticity of Zebiba’s journey to shine through.

Lift Like a Girl doesn’t shy away from highlighting the challenges facing the protagonist. It shows how Zebiba's determination is tested in her pursuit of glory and recognition, coping with setbacks, disappointments, and the intensity of her tough regimen. Throughout her journey, the film also explores themes of adolescence, independence, self-confidence, and familial support. It also captures the unique dynamics and relationship between Zebiba and her Coach, who often serves as both a mentor and a father figure to her.

The backdrop of Egypt is as integral to the story as its characters. The vivid streets and neighborhoods of Alexandria, coupled with the intimate scenes of Zebiba’s home life, serve to provide a nuanced and vivid picture of the social and cultural landscape from which her story emerges.

Lift Like a Girl is profoundly inspiring and presents a fascinating perspective on a society and culture we rarely get to see. It’s a story of a young girl challenging norms in a passionate pursuit of her dreams. The genuine emotion and intense dedication displayed in the film will resonate with everyone, appealing especially to those interested in human interest champion stories and women's rights issues.

In sum, Lift Like a Girl is a compelling depiction of a young woman's determination to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and male-dominated spheres. This film isn't just a story about a girl who aspires to be a weightlifter; it's a storytelling of resilience, trials, and triumphant victory of the human spirit. The universal message of female empowerment and individual determination will echo with audiences long after the credits have rolled.