JoyDrops promotes documentary shorts that focus on joy, a contrast to the often tragic nature of this film category. Good News Network collaborates with JoyDrops to highlight these films and engage with their creators. In 1970, Pat Palinkas, an elementary school teacher, made history by playing for the Orlando Panthers, becoming the first woman in professional football, which received national attention but was soon forgotten. Over fifty years later, filmmaker Ashley Brandon is determined to share her story, aided by Barbie-themed elements.
Brandon’s 12-minute documentary, “Panther Pat,” includes interviews with Palinkas, archival footage, and scenes created using dolls and stop-motion animation. This film won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Short at the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival, was shown at Tribeca, and has been qualified for the Oscars. Notable figures like Eli Manning and Robin Roberts have taken on executive producer roles for the project.
Brandon, who teaches film, television, and media arts at Quinnipiac University, has loved football since childhood, influenced by her father’s career as a football coach. However, she was not allowed to join a team. She played informal games but always wanted to make a film about football. While living in Connecticut, she discovered a used book about the state’s football history that mentioned the semi-pro Bridgeport Jets, Palinkas’s first opponent. The book included a brief note about Palinkas’s achievement, which caught her attention.
After some research, Brandon found Palinkas living in Clearwater, Florida. The filmmakers chose to send her a letter instead of calling, believing it to feel more genuine. Palinkas responded, and production began in 2021. The film’s unique style emerged because there was limited archival material available to depict Palinkas’s experiences. Brandon noted that it was important to confirm the existence of archival content before starting such a project.
To address this challenge, they revisited Palinkas’s interviews, particularly recalling her childhood experiences when girls were told they should play with dolls instead of football. Brandon mentioned they did not have the budget to hire actors or recreate a ’70s stadium scene but could purchase dolls. This decision, initially a fallback option, became a central theme in the film. Brandon expressed happiness about this creative approach, noting it has a universal appeal that resonates even with viewers who may not be interested in football.
Brandon also shared that she was not particularly fond of dolls in her youth but embraced the concept in her 30s. Sadly, Palinkas passed away in the summer of 2025, just months before the film was finished. Brandon expressed regret that they could not complete it in time for her to see it. Palinkas’s family has been supportive of the project, surprised that her accomplishments were not more widely known.
Brandon believes the use of dolls complements Palinkas’s teaching background, stating that Palinkas had a way of painting vivid pictures with her words. The film features a small doll watching TV while female figures such as players, coaches, and referees appear. Brandon’s aim is for viewers to see themselves represented and to understand that if Pat could achieve her dreams, so can they.
“Panther Pat” is included in the JoyDrops collection, which seeks to challenge the notion that documentary shorts must focus on sorrow, a point humorously referenced by Oscars host Conan O’Brien. Brandon appreciates serious storytelling but emphasizes the importance of sharing joyful narratives as well. She believes that even during tough times, there are still joyful stories worth celebrating. Brandon views short documentaries as a space for creativity and surprises, sharing her enthusiasm for unconventional storytelling.
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Source: Good News Network, by Gabriel Kinder