🎬 The 28th Annual Sarasota Film Festival is coming April 10–19, 2026  |  🎟 Buy 2026 Passes 

2026 Sarasota Film Festival

JessZilla

Documentary, Sports

20231 hr 30 minUnited StatesEnglish

New Jersey’s Jesselyn Silva, a three-time national boxing champion, is on her way to superstardom, dominating the junior ranks at the age of 15. With her every step of the way is her father Pedro, a single parent who helps her navigate coaches, training schedules, and the angst of teenage life. When a devastating diagnosis threatens the father-daughter tandem, the pair turn to each other to fight their greatest opponent yet.

Directed by Emily Sheskin

Documentary FeatureSportsFemale leadFemale Director
JessZilla

Screening Details

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM EDT

Ends 2:30 PM EDT

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Regal Hollywood - screen #3

About This Event

Florida Premiere. New Jersey’s Jesselyn Silva, a three-time national boxing champion, is on her way to superstardom, dominating the junior ranks at the age of 15. With her every step of the way is her father, Pedro, a single parent who helps her navigate coaches, training schedules, and the angst of teenage life. She doesn’t believe anything will ever be too hard for her. The teenager has been training hard since she was seven to reach the top in a male-dominated world, and she’s confident that she’s as tough as the best of them. Pedro also knows how tough she is, which only makes him worry about her more when she’s in the ring. When a devastating diagnosis threatens the father-daughter tandem, the pair turn to each other to fight their greatest opponent yet: cancer. With great access to Jesselyn and her father, director Emily Sheskin tells a multi-year, incredibly moving story of passion, determination and resilience that goes beyond the ring.

Cast

Jesselyn Silva, Pedro Silva

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