Sydney Sweeney And Kerry Kohansky-Roberts Shine Light On Domestic Violence Through 'Christy'

Unveiling 'Christy': A Powerful Story of Resilience

In the heart of Tinseltown, a new film is creating waves with its raw portrayal of boxing legend Christy Martin's life. 'Christy' delves into the incredible journey of Martin, who broke gender barriers in the boxing ring while battling a tumultuous marriage to her manager, Jim Martin. Now known as Christy Salters, she was closely involved in the film's creation, ensuring her story was told with authenticity. Sydney Sweeney, who stars as Christy and also produced the film alongside Kerry Kohansky-Roberts, emphasizes their commitment to handling Salters' past trauma with care. They tactfully scheduled the filming of the most intense scenes before Salters ever stepped on set.

“We wanted to protect her from that,” Sweeney shared during a presentation at the Contenders Film event in Los Angeles. “That following Monday, Christy came for the first day. When she walked in, the entire crew just stood up and started applauding her because they’d seen firsthand what she went through. Seeing her stand there in front of all of them, I think the importance of the story we’re telling really hit everyone.”

A Story That Sparks Conversation

While 'Christy' captivates audiences with thrilling boxing sequences, its depiction of domestic violence is what truly resonates. Sweeney and Kohansky-Roberts hope the film serves as a catalyst for vital conversations around this important issue. "She's an incredible role model," Sweeney remarked, reflecting on the impact of bringing Christy's story to a broader audience. "Being able to bring her story to a wider audience and hopefully save lives through that has been the greatest gift that I could’ve ever been given."

Kohansky-Roberts expressed a similar sentiment, highlighting the importance of storytelling as a medium for meaningful dialogue. "As producers, we want to tell stories of extraordinary people," she said, hoping the film encourages viewers to discuss and open up about domestic violence.

More Than Just a Boxing Film

Sweeney's dedication to her role was nothing short of transformative – she gained 35 pounds of muscle and meticulously learned the choreography of Christy Martin's iconic fights. This physical transformation was crucial to capturing the essence of Martin's powerful presence in the ring. "Christy comes to life in the ring," Sweeney noted. "There’s so much growth and so much personality and so much happening when she’s in this ring. She feels free so she can let it all out. I wanted to make sure we could see that on camera."

Safeguarding the actors during these intense scenes was a top priority, with Kohansky-Roberts ensuring that medics were always on set. The film not only pays homage to a trailblazing athlete but also serves as an enlightening narrative on the signs and dangers of abusive relationships. As Sweeney jokingly added, "Christy wants to sign me to fight so if I disappear for a year, guys, you know where I’m going to be."

'Christy' stands as a testament to the strength of a woman who fought both in and out of the ring, leaving audiences with much to ponder long after the credits roll.