Reviews
What critics are saying
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“JessZilla never pulls its punches.”
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“One of 2025's most inspiring documentaries.”
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“Triumphant documentary of a boxing icon.” ★★★★★
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“An uplifting portrait of a true fighter.”
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“Perhaps the most important sports documentary you could ever watch.”
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“Jesselyn's story escapes the mold of sugarcoated overcoming or heartbreaking drama.”
Coverage
More reading
- Film ThreatJessZilla reviewed by Bobby LePire
- NUVOJessZilla reviewed by Rita Kohn
- Cinema Femme“This was the fight” — Emily Sheskin on JessZilla
- Overly HonestDetermination, identity, and the unexpected fight
- Decent MaybeJessZilla movie review
- WBCCommemorative belt presented in honour and memory of JessZilla
- New York TimesTeaching with “Girl Boxer”
- TODAYMeet JessZilla, the 11-year-old girl boxer
- LetterboxdSee what viewers are saying
Recognition
Awards
Over 25 official festival selections and 6 award wins.
- Best Picture · Best Documentary · Best DirectorFargo Film Festival
- Special Jury Mention, Documentary FeatureAtlanta Film Festival, 2023
- Outstanding Documentary FeatureRidgefield Film Festival
- Best CinematographyFlickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival
- Documentary Features Committee Spotlight AwardSlamdance Indie Awards
Media kit
Logline, synopsis & credits
Logline
Jesselyn Silva's Olympic dream gave her the courage to face the fight of her life.
Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Jesselyn Silva is a three-time national boxing champion with Olympic dreams, and her father Pedro is in her corner every step of the way. But at fifteen, a cancer diagnosis changes what it means for the family to fight. JessZilla is a powerful coming-of-age story about family, resilience, and what it truly means to be a champion.
Credits
- DirectorEmily Sheskin
- ProducerBen Kainz
- Executive ProducersVERSUS, Mark Grande, Justin Barnes, Rob Meyers, Emily Sheskin
- CinematographerPaul Yee
- EditorKatie Turinski
Press enquiries & additional materials:
Betsy Watson — betsy [at] versus [dot] tv