“JessZilla” chronicles the story of Jesselyn “JessZilla” Silva, a three-time National Boxing Champion from New Jersey, who, under the guidance of her father Pedro, has set her sights on world glory—but her journey takes a profound turn when, on the cusp of making the Olympic team, she faces her toughest battle yet: a cancer diagnosis. Directed by Emily Sheskin, this award-winning feature documentary tells an inspiring coming-of-age story about what it means to be a champion both inside and outside the ring. The film is set for a VOD release on June 27.

The team behind “JessZilla” has partnered with the World Boxing Council (WBC) and CURE Childhood Cancer to amplify the awareness for brain cancer and childhood cancer research. Through these partnerships, they will launch a global awareness campaign, amplifying the film’s message and calling on the boxing community, media, and fans to rally behind Jesselyn’s story in the fight against childhood cancer. 

​​”The story of Jesselyn Silva is one of heart, grit, and resilience—values that define the spirit of boxing,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC. “Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and we are honored to support this important film and its message—it’s truly a valentine to the sport.”

About CURE Childhood Cancer

Founded in 1975, Atlanta-based CURE Childhood Cancer is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families. With cancer as the second leading cause of death in children, CURE dedicates more than $5.7 million in funding to specific research projects aimed at curing cancers that affect children. Through innovative programming, CURE Childhood Cancer also provides crisis-oriented support to patients and their families, addressing their most critical and urgent needs. For more information visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org. 

Filmmaker Biographies

Emily Sheskin is an award winning film and commercial director who tells stories full of optimism and resilience, without glossing over life’s challenges. Her short films have featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Atlantic, and even pirated on TikTok (though she’d prefer credit). Her first feature film, JESSZILLA, premiered in 2023 at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival where it was in competition. It went on to play at notable festivals around the world (IDFA, DOC NYC, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival) and won awards with Slamdance, Fargo Film Festival, Rhode Island Film Festival, Ridgefield Film Festival, and the Atlanta Film Festival. She is currently 1/2 of the duo behind Chicken Wing Pictures.

Ben is a Film Producer based in New York City. He works on both commercial and film projects and is a member of the Documentary Producers Alliance, Film Independent, and Variable. He first worked with Emily on a short called GIRL BOXER which debuted as a NY Times Op-Doc back in 2017 before turning it into a feature. Now they are working on Puzzle People, their second feature documentary.
“JessZilla” will release worldwide on VOD on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube Movies and Vimeo OTT on June 27.