‘Social Studies’ Creator Lauren Greenfield Teams With Alison Klayman For Documentary On Systemic Barriers To Women In Sports

EXCLUSIVE: Award-winning filmmakers Lauren Greenfield and Alison Klayman are approaching the starting line on a documentary about women’s distance runners and the “deep-rooted inequities” faced by women athletes.

Greenfield’s Institute Pictures is producing the untitled short film which is expected to premiere in 2025.

“Set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment for women’s sports and the political climate of 2024,” a release notes, “this documentary shines a light on the dual pressures women face in advancing their roles in society while defending their basic human rights.”

A key shoot for the project is coming up – the Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah, Georgia on November 16, “the only U.S. marathon currently designed for, and by, women,” which has a mission “to empower women athletes of all abilities and body types, the race fosters a supportive and inclusive community. The documentary will aim to capture the captivating stories behind the inspirational runners and the essence of the event.”

Greenfield’s latest documentary series, Social Studies, is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu after a highly successful debut on FX. The musical adaptation of her documentary The Queen of Versailles, starring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, is set to premiere on Broadway in the 2025-2026 season. Her additional credits include Thin, Generation Wealth, The Kingmaker, and the #likeagirl campaign.

Klayman, a duPont-Columbia award winner, “is renowned for her groundbreaking documentaries that tackle critical social issues,” including Unfinished Business, a film about the formation of the WNBA, built around the New York Liberty’s 2021 season (the team won its first championship last week). Among her additional credits are The Brink, about far-right political strategist Steve Bannon (the Trump whisperer who was just released from federal prison) and Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, about the work of the extraordinary Chinese artist and China’s efforts to squelch his activism.

The upcoming short film project “is more than just a marathon documentary; like all of Klayman’s work, it offers a powerful, character-driven narrative set against the backdrop of the ongoing inequalities women face beyond the race itself,” according to the release. “The film features a diverse cast of six women, each with a unique background and story, who will join the 7,000 other women running the sold-out race – almost half of whom are first-time marathon runners. Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967 and a key contributor to Every Woman’s Marathon, will also appear, providing historical context to the continuing fight for gender equality in sports. This film explores not only the personal journeys of these runners but also the broader story of women’s empowerment, the barriers they face in sports and society, and celebrates their victories and resilience.”

In a statement, Klayman said, “This project is about shedding light on the systemic barriers that women in sports continue to face while celebrating their extraordinary achievements. I am so honored to share the stories of these runners I’ve gotten to know, stories that are simultaneously exceptional and representative of so many women today. I’m excited for this film to contribute to the broader conversation about the value and recognition of women’s sports in our society.”

Greenfield commented, “Alison has an extraordinary ability to tell deeply personal and powerful stories that resonate on a global scale. Her documentaries not only shine a light on important social issues but also bring a level of empathy and nuance that makes her work truly impactful. This film is no exception—her focus on women’s equality in sports is both timely and necessary, and I am thrilled to be part of a project that celebrates the strength and resilience of women in such a meaningful way.”

Institute Pictures was founded by Greenfield and producer and entrepreneur Frank Evers. The company “represents auteur-driven visual storytellers and brings multi-platform production expertise to brands and agencies worldwide. Alongside some of the most recognizable names in film and television, Institute has also been an industry-leading advocate for the power of uniquely creative and visionary talent, facilitating the creation of powerful and socially relevant storytelling.”