Redefine What It Means to Age

Octogenarian Fran Vall holds a 6th degree black belt in Judo and a 5th one in Naginata (Japanese sword fighting). In addition to mentoring at three martial arts clubs she still finds time to work as a ski and snowboard instructor and volunteer in her community. Guided by her Jewish faith and quest to never stop learning, Sensei Fran became proficient in all of these arts during her years in the Foreign Service, living in places such as Japan, Afghanistan and the Sudan. Fran’s story will be the first in a series exploring and celebrating healthy aging.

Individuals - purchase a DVD or rent it on Vimeo for personal home use.

Institutions - Use the contact link to be notified when it is available through our distributor Docuseek, or to arrange a screening for your organization..

Upcoming Screenings:

Maryland International Film Festival - March 26 - March 28, 2021

Artemis Women in Action Film Festival - April 22 - 25, 2021

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Praise

  • Highly recommended . . . a great film for almost any aged student and a must for colleges or universities that have a gerontology program, also a great choice for women's/gender studies programs. - Educational Media Reviews Online

  • Your discussion was enlightening and entertaining. . . . a fabulous evening as part of the festival. - Michele Susson, Adult, Culture and Judaic Department/Festival Organizer - Katz JCC

  • Our programming committee and our audience love "Sensei Fran Kicks Ass" and can't wait to see more docs about amazing older women from you! - Saint Francis College Women’s Film Festival

Previous Screenings:

Making News

Director’s Statement

Fran and Director Simone Fary

Fran and Director Simone Fary

I wanted to make a film about my 81-year-old friend Fran Vall, a woman whose continual quest to learn, improve herself, and connect with other people and cultures has been so inspiring for me.

My friendship with Fran began about a decade ago when I took my young boys to a local judo club. I was struck by how often Fran was the highest ranked Sensei present at the club. My kids eventually lost interest in judo but I continued my friendship with Fran. As the years passed, I became more aware of her unusual accomplishments and life experiences. For example: besides having a 6th degree black belt in judo and a 5th degree black belt in Naginata (Japanese stick fighting), Fran is also a certified shiatsu massage practitioner. She has worked as a ski and snowboard instructor and, at a time when few women would have considered such a career, Fran had also traveled the world with the Foreign Service. This was impressive! The more I learned about this exceptional woman, the more I realized that somebody should make a film about Fran. Read more . . .

Production Stills and Poster

Right click on any of the images below to download a high-resolution version.

Interviewing Fran at her Naginata Dojo in Virginia

Interviewing Fran at her Naginata Dojo in Virginia

Official Poster for Sensei Fran Kicks Ass

Official Poster for Sensei Fran Kicks Ass

Fran being interviewed at the Naginata dojo.

Fran being interviewed at the Naginata dojo.

Fran and Simone at the Naginata Dojo

Fran and Simone at the Naginata Dojo

Title Art

Title Art

Selected Scenes from Fran's Busy Life Including Judo, Nagainata, Shiatsu Masage and Ski Instruction

Selected Scenes from Fran's Busy Life Including Judo, Nagainata, Shiatsu Masage and Ski Instruction

Scenes from Fran’s slide collection show a life well-lived.

Scenes from Fran’s slide collection show a life well-lived.

80 year old Fran getting a little extra exercise after a five mile hike this summer.

80 year old Fran getting a little extra exercise after a five mile hike this summer.