The documentary "Mighty Mary," set to open in theaters on September 11, chronicles the groundbreaking journey of the first all-female crew to compete in the prestigious America’s Cup yacht race. Directed by Massachusetts-based filmmaker Mary Mazzio, the film highlights the 1995 campaign led by billionaire sailing enthusiast Bill Koch, who fielded an almost entirely female team, many of whom were newcomers to the sport, challenging the traditionally male-dominated competition.

The America’s Cup, which has been contested since 1851, is widely regarded as one of sailing’s most demanding events. Koch’s decision to assemble an all-women crew drew skepticism, but the team, known as Mighty Mary, quickly proved their mettle. Notably, they defeated legendary sailor Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes squad during a key and contentious race in the selection series. However, a later agreement allowed both Mighty Mary and Stars & Stripes to advance, with the latter ultimately securing the spot to defend the Cup. Despite falling short in the finals, the all-female crew left an indelible mark on the sport, paving the way for greater inclusion of women in professional yacht racing.

“Mighty Mary” draws on extensive interviews and archival footage to tell the story, and features dual narration by actors Elizabeth Banks, a Massachusetts native, and Hugh Jackman. Mazzio, herself an Olympian rower who competed in 1992, originally intended the film to focus on Dawn Riley, a prominent member of the crew and Koch’s earlier America’s Cup-winning team, but expanded the narrative after engaging with male competitors who faced the Mighty Mary team. Their candid reflections and support added complexity to the story, highlighting changing attitudes toward gender roles in competitive sports.

The film also emphasizes the Boston connection, as many crew members, including Olympic rower Amy Baltzell, trained and lived in the area. Mazzio noted the "extraordinary strength of character" displayed by the team members, describing their campaign as both a historic milestone and a story with the unexpected twists of a “murder mystery.”

Mazzio’s narration approach, pairing Banks and Jackman, mirrors her technique in another recent documentary, allowing for complementary male and female perspectives. Both actors also serve as executive producers on the project. Banks’s involvement aligns with her ongoing support for women’s sports, while Jackman brings his own sailing background from Australia to the film.

The director framed the film’s release in the context of contemporary cultural challenges, noting a “regression” in societal attitudes that often limit girls’ ambitions, balanced against a rising interest in women’s sports. “Mighty Mary” aims to inspire viewers by showcasing how the team defied expectations and broke barriers in a highly competitive arena.

“Mighty Mary” serves both as a celebration of a pioneering crew in the America’s Cup and a reflection on broader themes of gender equality in sports.