Out of the Dark: Cal Calmia
An intimate look at the journey of professional athlete Cal Calamia, a transgender marathon runner who's advocating for inclusion in the running world.
When we first heard about Cal Calamia's remarkable achievement in winning the non-binary category of the Chicago marathon, we were intrigued. We had been asked to create a series of short films for PBS focusing on athletes and mental health, and Cal's story seemed like a perfect fit. Here was an accomplished transgender runner blazing a trail in the competitive world of elite running. He had an openness about his mental health struggles... plus he had an incredible smile.
As a filmmaking duo, our approach is deeply rooted in our own experiences, allowing us to connect with our subjects on a personal level and bring authenticity to our storytelling. One of us identifies as queer and gender-nonconforming, which provided a unique perspective and a sense of kinship with Cal's journey. The other brings a love for distance running and an understanding of the mental challenges that come with it.
But beyond our personal connections, what truly resonated with us was Cal's spirit. He refused to be constrained by societal biases and instead forged his own path forward. His story is not just about athletic achievement but also about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to defy expectations.
We hope that Cal's journey serves as an inspiration and a roadmap for anyone striving to embrace their true selves. Through this film, we want to encourage others to run their own race, unapologetically and authentically.
–Sarah and Tom
