Matt Hoffman recreates the race to equality

In 1967, Katherine Switzer entered herself into the Boston Marathon, which was strictly men-only at the time, without specifying her gender. When an enraged organiser tried to force her out of the race, a photographer captured the moment in a photograph that would change the rules of the race. 

Created for Michelob Ultra, The Story of Katherine Switzer, directed by Matt Hoffman through HB films, recreates the serendipitous moment when a race photographer’s lens captured Katherine’s bravery and determination, exposing an entire system of oppression, exclusion, and sexism. The film was launched in partnership with the Women’s Sports Foundation, a not-for-profit devoted to promoting access to athletic programs for women.

Accompanied by a VO from Switzer herself, Hoffman recreates that indelible moment for us in ultra-slow-motion.  Dialling in on a turning point in history to the millisecond it occurred, he breathes life into the grainy black and white still image that ignited a movement with three dimensional motion. 

“It’s clear to me this event was a miracle,” explained Hoffman. “It’s not often I can tap into something this personally meaningful, but in retelling the story of Kathrine’s courage, I am telling the story of my mom and her courage, and the courage of every woman who lived through this time, and ultimately the positive change and joy her bravery brought us all.”