The residents of Machar Colony in Pakistan often live as undocumented people within their own country. Living a “stateless” existence has led to severe lack of access to services and curtailed overall economic prosperity. But the birth of a gymnastics team has provided a spark of light for a small group of Machar Colony girls whose future is mostly predetermined before they’re born. Guided by their coach Furqan Raja and the incredible human rights lawyer Tahera Hasan, we watch as these wonderfully dynamic girls gain a sense of purpose and excitement while they train to represent their colony in the National Women’s Gymnastics Competition. Their wonderfully playful yet astute sense of their place in society (and desire to buck it) makes for an incredibly moving watch as they empower themselves to make a change.

Directed by Habiba Nosheen and executive produced by Mariska Hargitay and Trish Adlesic, The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony is a joyful coming-of-age journey that proves the power of access and opportunity.—Liza Domnitz