Although it tends to be associated with gender equality in sports, Title IX ensures equal treatment for women at any educational institution that receives federal funding. The landmark law will turn 50 next year and in honor of the occasion, Dawn Porter and Nicole Newnham are directing an ESPN docuseries unpacking its legacy. Variety debuted the trailer for “Fifty/50.”
As one interviewee points out in the spot, people tend to think of Title IX as the law that allowed girls to play school sports — but it actually “had a huge impact in a lot of different areas.” “Women feel they have bodies, they can actually be athletic and they can be strong” thanks to the law, another commentator adds. “It has changed the whole landscape of our opportunities.”
When women have better access to educational resources, whether it be a sports team or a science program or an art class, that leads to other opportunities. As such, “Fifty/50” draws connections from Title IX passing to women’s achievements in STEM, politics, and business.
But the fight isn’t over. Despite Title IX, sexual misconduct persists on campuses and girls’ sports are still often underfunded compared to boys’ teams. A new generation is demanding equal treatment. “Women are not going back,” we’re told.
Named a Guggenheim Honoree by AFI, Porter’s upcoming slate includes a doc about Cirque du Soleil. Newnham received an Oscar nomination this year for “Crip Camp,” a disability rights doc she directed with Jim Lebrecht.
“Fifty/50” will premiere in June 2022. In honor of Title IX’s anniversary, ESPN is planning special content comprised of 50 women’s stories, including longform reporting, documentary, podcasts, features, and more.
