The Buskirk Chumley is showcasing Breaking Away (1979) and Zana: Women of the Little 500 as a Documentary Double Feature on 4/18 at 7 pm.
The following is a press release written by Grace Williams and Emily Segura-Maze for the film Zana:
New Film “ZANA” Captures the Voices of Women in Cycling and Media
Boulder, CO – Sept 12, 2024 – Filmmakers Grace Williams and Emily Segura Maze are thrilled to announce the release of their debut documentary film, “ZANA,” which shines a spotlight on the journey of women in the cycling world. The film is set to make its debut at Skratch Cafe on October 4th in Boulder, CO and will be available for streaming via State Bicycle Co starting October 10th.
“ZANA” chronicles the remarkable story of Melanzana, a women's cycling team with a storied history in the Women's Little 500 at Indiana University. Through a lens both personal and poignant, the film captures Zana's pursuit of a historic three-peat victory while exploring the broader themes of gender equality and female empowerment within the traditionally male-dominated world of competitive cycling. The film is the brainchild of Grace Williams, who made waves as a member of Zana during their first historic win in 2022, and Emily Segura Maze, who has deep-rooted connections to the cycling world. Their paths crossed during a college film internship, leading to a shared vision of using their unique perspectives to elevate women’s voices in both cycling and media.
From their first pitch in September 2023 to purchasing their inaugural cinema camera, Williams and Segura Maze have demonstrated remarkable growth and commitment. “ZANA” reflects their evolution as filmmakers, with each interview becoming more insightful and each shot more compelling. The documentary not only celebrates the triumphs of Zana but also highlights the shared experiences of all women striving to break barriers and forge new paths in their respective fields.
“Our goal with this film was to spotlight the incredible women in the cycling community and beyond,” said Grace Williams. “We wanted to capture not only the challenges and victories of Zana but also the broader fight for gender equality that resonates across all industries.” Emily Segura Maze added, “This film is as much about the journey of women in cycling as it is about our own journey as filmmakers. It’s about showing that success comes in many forms and that the pursuit of one’s passion can inspire others to do the same.”
“ZANA” is more than just a documentary; it’s a call to action. It underscores the importance of camaraderie, perseverance, and the courage to push boundaries. By highlighting the achievements and struggles of women in a historically male-dominated sport, the film aims to inspire a new generation of women to bravely pursue their own dreams. The film’s premiere at Skratch Cafe will be accompanied by a Q&A session with the directors, offering audiences an opportunity to delve deeper into the making of the film and the stories behind it. For more information, to schedule an interview with the directors, or to request a screening, please contact
Grace Williams
Director, Filmmaker
grace@signaturesquashstudios.com
812.322.8069
signaturesquashstudios.com
About Grace Williams and Emily Segura Maze:
Grace Williams is a filmmaker and former competitive cyclist known for her role in Zana’s historic win at the Women's Little 500. Emily Segura Maze, a passionate advocate for gender equality in media and cycling, brings her extensive background in the cycling world to her role as co-director. Together, they are committed to amplifying the voices of women across industries
About “ZANA”:
“ZANA” is a documentary film that explores the intersection of gender and sports through the lens of the Women's Little 500 cycling team, Zana. It highlights the journey of female athletes and filmmakers who challenge traditional norms and inspire change
