Pretty Dark Horses (2022)

PRETTY DARK HORSES is a timely dramatic short film set in the world of women's gymnastics. Everyone has seen the smiling child athletes in shiny leotards. Few have seen behind the curtain, a world littered with broken bones and shattered dreams. CYRUS BATTLE, a former gymnast who once glimpsed Olympic glory, but had fallen short, returns to his humble beginnings in a slum area of South Philadelphia known as the FORGOTTEN BOTTOM. Cyrus reluctantly begins coaching in a gym that is a factory, churning out Olympic hopefuls. In the midst of this environment, Cyrus begins training a thirteen year old who everyone else has overlooked and written off; MARE RIPLEY, a girl who just wants to become good enough to earn a coveted scholarship to a college gymnastics team. It's her only shot out of the ghetto. But when coach and gymnast bond in a relationship driven by pure love of the sport, Mare starts to exceed all expectations.