A documentary short film, 'Panther Pat,' is bringing attention to a remarkable piece of sports history. The film tells the story of Pat Palinkas, the first woman to play professional football in 1970. Palinkas, an elementary school teacher, made national headlines for her achievement but was soon forgotten.
The film's director, Ashley Brandon, discovered Palinkas's story while researching the history of football in Connecticut. Brandon was drawn to Palinkas's determination and perseverance, and she knew she had to tell her story. The film uses a unique approach, incorporating stop-motion animation and dolls to bring Palinkas's story to life. The film's use of dolls may seem unconventional, but it was a deliberate choice. Brandon wanted to create a playful and accessible way to tell Palinkas's story, especially for young audiences. The dolls also serve as a nod to Palinkas's career as an elementary school teacher. Palinkas passed away in 2025, but her family has been supportive of the film. They are thrilled that her story is being told and that it will inspire young girls to pursue their dreams. The film's message is clear: with determination and hard work, anything is possible. 'Panther Pat' is part of the JoyDrops slate, a collection of documentary shorts that focus on stories of joy and inspiration. The film has already won several awards, including the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Short at the 2026 Slamdance Film Festival. It is a powerful reminder that there are still many untold stories of joy and triumph waiting to be shared.