Ep 3. Supergirl

In season 19 episode 3 of Independent Lens titled "Supergirl," viewers are taken on a captivating journey into the life of Naomi Kutin, an Orthodox Jewish teenager from New Jersey who holds several powerlifting world records. The documentary explores the challenges Naomi faces as a young girl balancing the expectations of her religion and the rigorous demands of competitive weightlifting.

Naomi is a remarkable athlete who began powerlifting at the age of eight. She excelled quickly, setting records in her weight class and becoming a sensation in the powerlifting world. Despite her young age, Naomi possesses incredible strength and determination that allow her to lift weights that seem impossible for someone her size.

As the film delves into Naomi's world, audiences meet her parents, who are incredibly supportive of their daughter's passion for lifting. Her father, Ed, is her coach and primary supporter, while her mother, Neshama, is a talented singer who infuses faith and prayer into their daily lives. The family is deeply committed to their Orthodox Jewish tradition, and the film depicts how Naomi's faith shapes her outlook on her sport and her life.

As Naomi rises to fame in the powerlifting world, the film shows how she must navigate the expectations of her family and community. Some community members are concerned that Naomi's lifting is unfeminine and goes against traditional ideas of what a young girl should be doing. Others worry that too much focus on competitive sports could be detrimental to her spiritual well-being. Naomi's own beliefs and confidence in her abilities clash with these concerns, and she must navigate the cultural and religious conflicts as she fights to pursue her dreams.

Throughout the documentary, Naomi displays not only incredible physical strength but also emotional resilience as she faces setbacks and injuries. The film also highlights her special relationship with her older brother Ari, who is also a talented powerlifter and a key source of encouragement and support. Together, Naomi and Ari navigate the physical and emotional challenges of training for competition, pushing each other to be the best they can be.

"Supergirl" is a captivating and inspiring portrait of a uniquely talented young woman who defies cultural and societal expectations to pursue her passion. The documentary brings to light the complexity of balancing faith and ambition, and the challenges young women face when they dare to be different. Naomi's story is a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and familial support in the face of adversity. With stunning cinematography and insightful interviews with Naomi's family, friends, and coaches, "Supergirl" is a must-watch episode of Independent Lens.