Doc to Coincide with Women's History Month
(released
3/13/2008)
By Douglas Lorah
Director and Producer Jason Neff and Producer Linda Ellman are putting together a documentary on the history of women jockeys called Jock. They just launched a website to coincide with Women's History month. The website is www.Jockthemovie.com and describes what the film is trying to do, some of the history of the sport, and introduces the main players both behind the camera and the women who made history riding horses.
They have done their research, which got a great start with Neff having a family history in the sport. The film will feature pioneers including: Mary Bacon, the brash beauty who broke more than 50 bones, posed nude in Playboy, and was a KKK sympathizer; Robyn Smith, the Hollywood starlet turned jockey, who rode for Alfred Vanderbilt and later married Fred Astaire; and Barbara Joe Rubin, the first woman to win against men who was victorious in 50% of her first 22 races. The second all time leading female jockey, Patti "P.J." Cooksey stated, "This documentary will go a long way in teaching young women perseverance in the face of adversity."
According to Neff, "We're hoping to create an online internet community where anybody associated with these historic events can share their stories and help us locate female jockeys that haven’t been heard from in decades." The production team is searching for any photographs, film, video, and other memorabilia that may pertain. A list of these women is available on the website. If you can assist in the search, please email info@jockthemovie.com.
The producers are targeting release for 2009, which is the 40th anniversary of women gaining the right to ride. They expect to pack up the RV to start production in July 2008 and travel the US including places in Oregon, Arizona, Kentucky, Florida, and New York.
Print this article
|