Eammon Ashton-Atkinson‘s documentary about Kings Cross Steelers – the world’s first gay rugby club is a down to earth exploration on sexuality and the misconceptions of masculinity in sports.
In Steelers, Australian journalist and amateur rugby player Ashton-Atkinson follows the team as they’re competing for the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam. Three individuals share very different experiences with rugby and how this team specifically became a huge influence in their personal development. Three very different stories, each of them hitting on a different emotional level. Coach Nic Evans’ story is beautiful, as she shares the story of her upbringing in which her father basically trained her to be the ambitious career driven woman she turned out to be. Get ready to shed some tears.
Simon Jones and Drew McDowell get to share their own experiences with the Steelers and how the team has become their chosen family. Ashton-Atkinson uses photos from all three, while interweaving his own heartbreaking story. It’s the very grounded and relatable anecdotes that hit deep. While their stories are all very emotionally driven, he skilfully balances this with the team’s light and cheerful time at the championship.
Steelers is a powerful documentary about overcoming differences, struggles and coming together as a community in which support and understanding are key. An enlivened and impactful report on the true impact of sport.
Available to Rent or Buy from July 7 on Apple TV, Google Play & Amazon Prime Video
Also available on: Fetch, YouTube, Foxtel Store, PlayStation Store & Microsoft
Review – Steelers
Reviewed online (screener provided by The Reset Collective), July 4, 2021. Rating: M. Running Time: 80 min.
PRODUCTION: (AU) A The Reset Collective release of a One Man Band Media production. Producers: Eammon Ashton-Atkinson, Grace Tobin, Jared Watmuff. Executive producer: Zak Brilliant.
CREW: Director/writer/cinematography/editing: Eammon Asthon-Atkinson.