Betsy Sailor’s story of survival and the unexpected hero, Irv Pankey, who joined her as she confronted a predator, a powerful program and the justice system. A true tale of courage and the power of being believed.
Using extensive archival video and photography, “Betsy & Irv” opens in the fall of 1978, as the Penn State football team seeks its first-ever number one national ranking. Senior Betsy Sailor is sexually assaulted the week after school begins by a member of the football team. As the undefeated season rolls on, so does Betsy’s resolve and quest for justice. In a tense courtroom moment, she recounts intimate details of her assault with her rapist and many of his teammates in attendance. Irv Pankey, a future NFL player, decides to break ranks and take a bold step that alters Betsy's life as she takes on a predator, a program and justice system. “Betsy & Irv” is a story of courage, survival, and the power of being believed, and of the enduring difference it makes to speak up, for yourself, and for another.
An investigative journalist, director and producer, Nicole Noren produced more than 50 investigative reports and short documentaries for ESPN and recently left to make her own projects. A recipient of six Emmys, two Edward R. Murrow Awards and a Peabody, Noren has reported extensively on gender-based violence, education, health and social issues. A first generation college graduate, Noren specializes in character-driven investigative projects, and has spent her career amplifying underrepresented voices and producing high impact accountability journalism that has effected change and raised awareness on crucial topics.
Noren's film "Betsy & Irv" won the 2023 Sports Emmy in Long Feature, and her 2023 feature-length investigative documentary "LISTEN" has been viewed by over six million people on YouTube. The film recently received recognition in three national journalism competitions:
“LISTEN is a shining example of how investigative journalism can hold police systems accountable without exploiting victims of violence.” - IRE Award Judge, April 2024
“Gripping, tragic and enraging. Masterful work that reveals the sheer amount of missteps and failures by multiple authorities and institutions and the push to cover it up." - EWA Judge, May 2024
Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2022 and nine additional film festivals
ESPN+, Hulu
Sports Emmy 2023 - Outstanding Long Feature
Real Screen Awards 2023 - (2) Award of Excellence, and Outstanding Achievement in Short Form Content - Non-fiction
Gracie Awards 2023 - Original Online Programming - Sports
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards 2022 - Nominee in Best Live-Action Short Form Series
Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2022 - Nominee in Best Original Score - Short Film (Documentary)
