Roller derby film reaches Indiegogo goal

“Once I realized (we reached the fundraising goal) I couldn't sleep, I was just so excited,” she said.

Many of the donations came from the derby girls, something Mairs said she finds very touching.

Mairs will use these funds — as well as government grants she hopes to land — to pay for the film's post-production, which she anticipates will be completed by the end of this year.

She got the idea to create “Roll-Her Dervish” in the spring of 2012 after running into a roller-derby girl, who pitched her on the idea of making a documentary about their new league.

Mairs and friend Dan Thomson started following the Tatas (the team's name), filming their bouts and practices, and delving into players' back stories.

She was even on hand to film the impact of the murder of one of the league's members, 40-year-old Sheri-Lynn McEwan.

But a little more than two years after its creation, Greater Sudbury Roller Derby is merging with Nickel City Roller Derby, the city's other roller derby league.

Tatas captain Crystal Larose said there's only so many roller derby enthusiasts in the city, and it's better for them to join forces.

Mairs will be on hand to film the Tatas' last bout, to be held in Barrie May 3. She said it's a nice way to wrap up the documentary.

“A number of the women who have ended up being featured more prominently in the documentary as I've been shooting over the last two years, it happens that they're all playing,” she said.

Larose said she's thrilled Mairs was able to reach her fundraising goal, and is now jumping into post-production.

“It's awesome,” she said.