Major Milestone: THE FIGHT TO FIGHT’s Final On-Location Shoot
THE FIGHT TO FIGHT Film Crew Sets Up for the Final Shoot
Former Armor officer Charley Faletta, at left, gets ready to be interviewed by Joy Bronson, upper middle. Expertly placed film technology surrounds them — lighting gear, sound equipment, and cameras — as Mark Romanov, far right, and Maxwell Frank, to Romanov’s left, check the monitors. Romanov and Frank are highly experienced cinematographers who bring a level of talent that has enabled every shot in the film to exceed expectations.
Photo Credit Joe Skorupa
As our film crew arrived in Northern California last week our thoughts were focused on getting the most out of every shot. This was our final on-location shoot, our final opportunity to get what we need to finish the film. Because we had already begun the assembly phase – putting the footage together to tell a compelling story – we knew where holes needed to be filled.
At the heart of the shoot were Charley Faletta and her husband. Also on hand, but off camera, was their smiling toddler who brought a wonderful sense of joy to everyone on the crew. We had worried prior to the shoot that we might cause two full days of “disruption” to this young couple’s lives, however it quickly became two days of being fully welcomed into their world.
We shot Charley, a former Armor officer who has been out of the service for a year, explaining why she is proud to wear her Stetson, a symbol of Cavalry tradition, and how she still misses the thrill of putting on a uniform to be ready to defend the nation when needed.
We learned that her personal motto, “crush them with competence,” carried her through challenges large and small in a culture that did not readily accept the idea that women could be capable combat soldiers.
Next Steps for Postproduction and Fundraising
With principal shooting complete, our editor Mark Romanov continues film assembly and we remain on track for the important post-production work to come.
So far, we have not had to delay progress toward our goal of finishing the film in the first quarter of 2026 due to any funding gap. However, that streak of good fortune and generosity is not assured.
Funding sources for social-justice-oriented independent documentaries like ours are taking a big hit in 2025 due to the current administrations’ severe cutbacks to arts programs and public media. In the wake of the threats to grant-making foundations and institutions we have already applied to, many have either postponed their funding efforts or cancelled them outright.
So, if you were thinking about making a contribution to THE FIGHT TO FIGHT, now would be a good time to do it. And if you have made a contribution in the past, please consider making another one, if you are able, to help get us over the hump.
Social Media Campaign Kicks Off
Since we are so close to finishing, it’s time to grow our community of supporters.
Today is an important day for us as we officially launched our social media campaign. We are asking everyone in our community to follow us on the social platforms listed below and help spread the word by liking and sharing our posts. Here’s where to find us:
Facebook
• Handle: @TheFightToFight
• www.facebook.com/TheFightToFight
Instagram
• Handle: @thefight2fight
• www.instagram.com/thefight2fight
Bluesky
• Handle: @thefighttofight.bsky.social
• https://bsky.app/profile/thefighttofight.bsky.social
We couldn’t have gotten this far without the generosity, passion and encouragement of our incredible community. Together, we are creating a film that honors women who have broken barriers in the U.S. military and inspires everyone to stand up for the values we hold dear.
Our final shoot was not just about filling gaps in the film. It was about deepening a story with voices that matter — voices that speak from the heart with courage and conviction.
The finish line is in sight and we will get there with your help.
POSTSCRIPT about Combat Arms Standards
Despite the implications made in Secretary Hegseth’s September 30 address to general and flag officers, women currently serving in combat arms have never asked for standards to be lowered. Just like combat arms is not for all men, combat arms is not for all women.
The women drawn to combat arms are the best of the best, they consistently go above and beyond the standard, and many have routinely outperformed men. Since 2016, when women joined combat arms units, standards have risen, nonexistent standards were codified, and unit professionalism has strengthened. Simply put, women make our Army better.
Joy Bronson served as a Naval Aviator from 1986 to 1993 and is the Director/Producer of THE FIGHT TO FIGHT documentary feature film.
Please forward this blog to others who may be interested in supporting our mission. Thank You!
The Fight to Fight documentary feature film is at a pivotal stage and needs your support to reach completion. Donations are critical and greatly appreciated, however it is also helpful to sign up to receive our blog and pass on our website link to friends, family and colleagues who are veterans or who care about equality for women. Click here to donate and here to sign up for our blog.