Matthew Leutwyler's film 'Fight Like a Girl' tells the true story of Clarck Ntambwe, a young woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who turned to boxing after her father was murdered. Initially seeking revenge, Ntambwe was inspired by her trainer, Balezi 'Kibomango' Bagunda, a former child soldier and boxing champion who used the sport to help women heal from trauma.
Ntambwe originally wanted to learn to fight so she could kill the men who killed her father. However, when Leutwyler and Kibomango discovered her motive, they told her she could not join the gym with that intention. Over time, boxing helped Ntambwe channel her anger and rebuild her life, eventually reaching the final of the African Boxing Championships under Kibomango's guidance.
Kibomango was killed by M23 rebels shortly after the film was completed, while helping Leutwyler evacuate children from a village under attack. Leutwyler, an American director who has lived in Africa for 13 years, had been filming a documentary about Kibomango when Ntambwe arrived at the gym. The film blends professional actors with local people from Goma, lending authenticity to the story.
Ntambwe, who now lives in Seattle, makes her acting debut in the film, playing the role of Aisha. She confirms her initial motivation for boxing was revenge, but she later found healing through the sport. The film also stars South African actor Ama Qamata, known for Netflix's 'Blood & Water', who plays the lead role of a young boxer haunted by her past.
Leutwyler describes Kibomango as a legend in Congo, who used boxing to help victims of sexual violence regain their independence. The film is a tribute to Kibomango's legacy and the transformative power of boxing.
