Derby Crazy Love is a Canadian documentary film directed by Maya Gallus and Justine Pimlott of Red Queen Productions, and distributed by Women Make Movies. The film explores flat track roller derby, and its third-wave feminist empowerment. It was initially released on November 14, 2013, at the Montreal International Documentary Festival.
Derby Crazy Love explores the evolution of the reemerging flat track roller derby, with a focus on its international sisterhood. There are over 100 leagues in Canada and 1,400 worldwide. Maya Gallus, one of the co-creators, explains, "[Derby is] female-dominated and player-owned and -operated, which already distinguishes it from any other sport." As the film begins, Montreal Roller DerbyâÂÂs New Skids on the Block rematch against the UKâÂÂs London Rollergirls for a shot at the international WFTDA Championships, and New York CityâÂÂs Gotham Girls Roller Derby (which includes derby superstars Suzy Hotrod and Bonnie Thunders) defends their title. This film captures how roller derby is part of punkâÂÂs counterculture, which tackles issues of masculinity, femininity, aggression, body image, queer identity, and gender norms. Each team consists of athletes with these various identities that have found a team where they belong. Gallus states, "NobodyâÂÂs making a big feminist point or a queer statement, [derby] just is inclusive." The sport is also a healthy outlet for of aggression, which is often denied to women. Montreal's team leader, Smack Daddy, summarizes the spirit of derby: "The fact that youâÂÂre combining roller skating, which is like, âÂÂletâÂÂs hold hands and go to the roller-rink,â with chicks beating on each other physically is like, fireworks."
The film features music by MontrealâÂÂs Plastik Patrik et les Brutes, Lesbians on Ecstasy, and New YorkâÂÂs Kissy Kamikaze.
Global TV (Canada)