Quit Your Day Job

Quit Your Day Job is a groundbreaking documentary that delves into the lives and careers of several professional women skateboarders. Directed by Erik Sandoval and Monique O'Toole, the film features luminaries of the sport such as Vanessa Torres and Samarria Brevard, who have broken new ground in an industry that has long been dominated by male athletes.

The narrative of Quit Your Day Job unravels in the United States, a country renowned for its love for extreme sports. The filmmakers adopt a keen, intimate approach to weave together the personal and professional journeys of these extraordinary women skaters. The result is a captivating narrative that paints a vivid picture of the passion, resilience, and raw talent that these women bring to the world of skateboarding.

The film places great emphasis on the inherent gritty nature of the sport, authentically centralizing skateboarding as more than just a pastime, but a way of life. Scenes are peppered with breath-taking visuals of the urban landscape; skate parks, city streets, and graffiti-laden lots serving as the perfect backdrop to their aggressive, high-flying, and tactic-filled performance.

Vanessa Torres, an established name in the domain, is one of the focal points of this documentary. An openly gay professional skateboarder, she has proven time and again that skateboarding is not just for the boys. Her tenacity and skill have continued to inspire many young women to step out of their comfort zone and try a hand at skating, defying societal norms.

The other central figure, Samarria Brevard, holds a unique place in the skating community being one of the very few African-American women to have made a significant mark in the sport. Her journey, aptly chronicled in the film, showcases the incredible dedication and work ethic required to shine in a stereotype-bound world. Throughout the film, Samarria embodies the exceptional spirit that inspires millions across boundaries.

Quit Your Day Job does not shy away from exploring the challenges that these athletes have had to overcome. It provides unflinching accounts of their struggles with sexism, prejudice, and financial instability in their quest to make a living out of what they love. In detailing their highs and lows, this documentary offers viewers an unprecedented understanding of the grit and perseverance it takes to break barriers and create a niche in a male-dominated sport.

The film is highly commendable for its ability to seamlessly blend intense sporting action, personal struggles, and poignant moments. The direction, cinematography, and vibrant soundtrack lend a pulsating energy to the film, essentially capturing the spirit of skateboarding.

More importantly, it acts as a platform to voice the often-unheard narratives of women in extreme sports, creating a dialogue about the need for greater acceptance, equity, and celebration of female athletes' achievements. Quit Your Day Job is not just a documentary for skateboarding enthusiasts; it appeals to anyone interested in sports, gender equity, and the power of individual tenacity. It stands as a testament to the fact that irrespective of their gender, anyone with the determination and the will to strive can carve out their niche in any field of endeavor.

The performances of Vanessa Torres and Samarria Brevard steal the show as they bring authenticity and raw emotion to their roles. They encapsulate the spirit of tenacity and resilience, embodying their real-life experiences with sincerity and poise, thus making the narrative engaging and relatable.

At its core, Quit Your Day Job is a celebration of diversity, a fight for representation, and a testament to the power of determination and resilience. The pioneering film serves as a source of inspiration, motivation, and a visceral experience of the world of female skateboarding. This exploration of these athletes' journeys will certainly challenge preconceptions, provoke thought, and perhaps inspire a new generation of skateboarders.