CYCLING WITH THE GHOST OF KITTIE KNOX
by cycling with the ghost of kittie knox
Cycling With The Ghost of Kittie Knox
"I have loved riding a bike ever since my dad taught me to ride a two wheeler when I was 8 years old. Now at 69 I am still passionate about riding. I'm a road cyclist and I love the challenge of a steep hill to climb probably more than I love the downhill. Cycling fills me with energy and positive feelings about the world and myself. It's a great way for me to have time to think. And a huge stress reducer. I can honestly say. "CYCLING HAS SAVED MY LIFE!
I am now taking my passion for riding bikes and turning it into a documentary film. And though the film is not about me, it contains my heart!
I am very excited about this film and all it will offer.
My intention for this film is to shine a light on people and communities that have been inspired to cycle by Kittie Knox. I want this film to motivate woman and kids to cycle. Cycling is empowering, challenging, healthy and fun. And now with the e-bike explosion, regardless of age or physical ability, everyone can ride.
Logline:
Cycling With The Ghost of Kittie Knox is the electrifying story of an audacious African American cyclist who in 1893, defying conventions of the time, fearlessly peddled through prejudice, breaking down societal barriers and redefining the sport of cycling for generations to come. Who knew the racist barriers Kittie broke through then would still need breaking through today?
Synopsis:
Kittie Knox, a fiercely determined African-American cyclist shattered conventions in 19th-century Boston. She took the male-dominated cycling world by storm, riding 100 mile distances and challenging the status quo. No women rode as far or as fast back then, let alone a black woman.
Kittie wore mens clothing not the traditional long skirts that women cyclists were wearing at the time and she rode a mans bike. Kittie fought bigotry protesting the League of American Wheelmen’s colour bar in 1895 by refusing to step down as a member. Kittie's unyielding determination sparked a thrilling revolution for equality and inspired a generation of women to pedal fearlessly. We will meet several of those women from across the U.S. who continue to pedal with The Ghost of Kittie Knox.
Cyclists in the film include:
Gayle Lewis from Virginia
Cadesha Prawl from Connecticut
Melanie Morris from Massachusetts
DOCUMENTARY OVERVIEW
Where The Action Is
Who Is This Film For
International Cycling communities of all ages and racial groups, School Systems - Children of All Ages, Sports Enthusiasts of all Genders and Racial Groups and Anyone Who Is Inspired By A Story About Overcoming Obstacles Against All Odds.
Why This Film NOW
Just as there was a cycling boom in the 1900’s there is one happening RIGHT NOW! With the advent and affordability of e-bikes, more people of all ages are riding whether they’re 8 or 80. Health is always a concern and biking is a fun, easy, healthy sport. Biking is a way to enjoy the outdoors in solitude or with friends and family.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
PRODUCTION
Shooting for the trailer will begin June 9, 2024 in Boston, Mass.
Principal photography will commence during the Kittie Knox ride in June of 2025, also in Boston, Mass.
Interviews and b-roll of Kittie inspired riders throughout the U.S. will take place throughout the Spring of 2025.
POSTPRODUCTION
During the post-production period, the Director and Editor will select the best "takes" of the various scenes and edit those takes into an assembly of the entire film. The director may also do "looping sessions" (re¬recording the talents' voices in a sound studio) and "Foley sessions" (creating sound effects).
Pre-Production: 1 Week
Principal Photography: 2 Weeks - Wrap shooting at the annual Kittie Knox ride in Cambridge Mass
Post Production: 6-8 Weeks
Picture Lock (Total Time for Finished Product): 10-12 Weeks
Creator/Producer/Director
Nancy has been in the filmmaking/editing business for over 30 years. She has won 10 Los Angeles Emmy Awards for cutting long format news documentaries. She has written, directed and cut every genre of television from news, to reality tv, and of course documentaries as well as everything in between. Nancy has received various grants to write, direct, produce and edit. Her enthusiasm for telling stories through film will never cease. She created the short doc series What Makes An Artist Tick? And Nancy is now taking her life long passion for cycling to make the exhilarating inspirational short documentary film; Cycling With The Ghost of Kittie Knox.
Which riders will travel to be in the Kittie Knox ride? What will they give up to get there? How will they make it?
Help us get them to the finish line by your tax deductible donation to From The Heart.
From The Heart is a non-profit organization that gives grants to filmmakers, and support to filmmakers with many classes on producing, directing, casting, and filmmaking. Carole Dean the President of From The Heart is always available to answer any questions and both Carole Dean and Carole Joyce have been joys to work with.