Projects in genres: Sport

Synopsis

Filmmaker Thomas Pickering has never eaten meat. Born in the 1980’s and raised vegetarian, before switching to a vegan diet, Tom’s always believed he’s been doing right by the animals, his own health, and - more recently - the planet. Despite this he still can’t go a day without hearing from others why they could never go vegan. From “where do you get your protein” and “soya is killing the rainforests” to “vegan food is expensive” and “climate change doesn’t exist”, he’s heard it all. With no sign of these arguments against his lifestyle choice going away, Tom sets out on a quest to investigate the many reasons he’s heard over the years, and see if they’re unjustified, or whether his upbringing was one big plant based con.
On his journey Tom tracks down several top athletes, witnessing world records, championship successes and an 84-year-old taking part in his sixth ultra-marathon. He speaks to doctors, environmental scientists, psychologists and chefs. He follows investigative journalists and activists as he goes undercover into factory farms, where he learns the A Rating awarded to the UK for its farming practise isn’t what it seems.
At the end of it all, Tom tries to piece together this complex picture as he finds a clear link between the way we treat animals, the effect it has on our planet, and our own health.

Synopsis

In this ode to fútbol and Colombia’s Caribbean region, Daniel, a Colombian-British filmmaker, recalls his first memory of the sport he loves: the 1993 championship final between Junior de Barranquilla and América de Cali that he watched on a VHS tape with his father in London.

Synopsis

The incredible true story behind the 1983 World Rally Championship. In a real-life David vs Goliath story, we see how the plucky underdogs of Team Lancia, led by the charismatic Cesare Fiorio (Scamarcio), took on the mighty Team Audi in one of the greatest rivalries in sporting history.
Up against formidable rival Roland Gumpert (Brühl) and his superior Audi team (including the Queen of Speed herself, Michèle Mouton), Lancia Team Manager Cesare Fiorio (Scamarcio) faces certain defeat in the 1983 Rally World Championship. But Fiorio’s ingenuity and cunning rise to the challenge and he sets about trying to steal victory. Like any good heist, Fiorio puts together an unusual team, including Jane McCoy, the team doctor and nutritionist who becomes a necessary foil against Cesare’s bravado. Cesare’s stroke of luck comes when he coaxes the zen-like Walter Röhrl (Bruch) to drive for Lancia, but the catch is Röhrl will only compete in the races he likes! Using every trick at his disposal and bending the rules as he goes, Fiorio steers into dangerous territory on and off the track, all in his reckless desire to win.

Synopsis

Told by the pioneering women who participated, this is the extraordinary story of the unofficial 1971 Women's World Cup, a football tournament witnessed by record crowds that has been written out of sporting history - until now.
Official Selection Toronto International Film Festival 2023 - World premiere
Official Selection BFI London Film Festival 2023

Synopsis

An inspirational, intimate story of resilience and freedom, following athletes on their journey to become part of the refugee Olympic team in Tokyo 2020.
Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2023 - Spotlight Documentary - World premiere

Synopsis

Meet Special K, Peanut, Charlie, and the rest of The Brentford Penguins, a soccer team with a difference: all the young players have Down’s Syndrome. MIGHTY PENGUINS follows Coach Allan, the players, and families as they prepare to be the guard of honour for a Premier League match.
Official Selection Tribeca Film Festival 2023 - World premiere

Synopsis

Amateur boxer Liam tells his story of discovering true love at the height of the pandemic, of how he found colour in a previously colourless world.
Official Selection Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2023

Synopsis

Exploring the life of Boris Becker, who became a tennis sensation when he won the first of his six majors at the age of just 17 and went on to have a glittering career, including 49 major career titles and an Olympic Gold.
Official Selection Berlin International Film Festival 2023 - Berlinale Special Gala - World premiere

Synopsis

SILVER SERVERS tells the story of four ’Super Senior’ tennis players in their 80s and 90s - one of them the oldest living player in the world - as they prepare for the International Tennis Federation Senior World Championships; on their remarkable journey, they show us what drives them to keep on playing and competing, helping us realise what is possible in our own lives, whatever our age... and the joy in keeping on going. Tennis is the sport, but the game is life.

Synopsis

For the Welsh national Cheer squad, nothing means more than representing their country at the highest level. They’re willing to give it everything, but how will they fare in a final showdown for gold against cheerleading superstars Team USA? This empowering film follows the disabled and non-disabled athletes of Team Wales Adaptive Abilities on and off the mat as they prepare for the World Cheerleading Championships in Florida. After years of hard training, their chance to be named the best in the world comes down to a two-minute, 15-second routine for the judges.
Grierson Awards 2023 - Nomination - Best Sports Documentary

Synopsis

The incredible story of the greatest cycling race in history, the 1989 Tour De France, and how American Greg LeMond faced down betrayal, childhood sexual abuse and even death to complete one of the most inspiring comebacks in sporting history.
Official Selection Telluride Film Festival 2022 - World premiere

Synopsis

A human and timeless story of strength over adversity as one of the world’s most successful track athletes and much-loved hero, Sir Mo Farah, seeks to discover the facts behind the truth he has kept hidden for 30 years. In this deeply personal and emotionally powerful film, Sir Mo reveals for the first time the reality of his early life.
BAFTA TV Awards 2023 - Winner - Best Single Documentary
Grierson Awards 2023 - Winner - Best Sports Documentary