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Pure Grit

Documentary

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Chronicling three years in the life of a young Native American bareback horse racer, her dogged determination, and the relationships that sustain her. Sharmaine dreams of becoming a champion. She is determined to ride and win. It's been a year since she's raced. A year since her sister was paralyzed in a catastrophic accident on the track. Sharmaine quit racing to care for her. In the remote Wyoming wilderness of the Wind River reservation, Sharmaine and her girlfriend Savannah begin to build a life for themselves. They hope for better. But the atmosphere at home soon turns toxic and the young lovers are forced to leave for the industrial Commerce City, Denver. The city brings freedom and opportunity, but also distractions and a strain on their fledgling relationship. When racing season starts up, Sharmaine and Savannah hit the road and put it all on the line. With a new horse from her city earnings, Sharmaine sees the potential for a fresh start. But life, like the race track, doesn't always go according to plan.

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Writer: Kim Bartley

Director: Kim Bartley

DOP: Kim Bartley

Sound: Colm O'Meara

Editor: Paul Mullen

Year: 2021

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Developed with the support of the Creative Europe Programme - MEDIA of the European Union

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