‘Steelers’: a documentary about the world’s first gay rugby club premieres at BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Steelers, the feature-film length documentary will make its world premiere at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival in March.
Told through the eyes of Australian news reporter, Eammon Ashton-Atkinson, who moved to the UK to escape depression Steelers is a confronting and emotional, yet heartwarming story about the world’s first gay rugby club which started in London in 1995.
The documentary, follows 3 characters on their journey to overcome their struggles as the club competes against 60 other gay clubs in the Bingham Cup in Amsterdam – the World Cup of gay rugby.
Nic Evans, the Steelers’ gay female coach and former international player for Wales, is fighting to overcome misogyny in a male-dominated sport. Birmingham rugby fanatic Simon Jones reveals his battle with depression after he recently came out and it didn’t go to plan. The drag queen Andrew McDowell explores identity and self expression through his story.
As well as filming, writing, editing and directing his debut feature documentary, Ashton-Atkinson narrates the film. Through his eyes we see insight into his own battles with being gay, including how he was outed at school when a classmate secretly filmed them having sex and then showed the video at school.
Director, Eammon Ashton-Atkinson: “I hated sport growing up as a kid. But my Dad encouraged me to play rugby and without that, I never would have joined the Steelers, met my husband and found a place where I felt like I belonged.”
“Having struggled with depression as an adult because of the trauma of terrible bullying that I suffered at school, I always felt like I never fitted in. When I joined the club and I was surrounded by so many people who were just like me, I finally felt happy in my own skin.”
Ashton-Atkinson is thrilled the documentary has been selected in BFI Flare:
“I’m a reporter so I tell stories for a living, but I’ve never told one this personal. It’s the kind of story that I would have loved to have seen in my darker days. My wish is for this film to give hope to others who may need it, not just those struggling with their sexuality, but anyone doubting themselves.”
You can see the full BFI Flare LGBT film festival program here:
The Kings Cross Steelers celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Club president Matt Webb: “From 6 men in a bar in Kings Cross London there is now a global community of thousands and this is something we are incredibly proud of. We know our sport and clubs provide both a great rugby experience but have also literally saved lives for those feeling lost and without a home around the world.”
Mr Webb said the documentary highlights the essence of the club.
“Eammon has captured everything about our community and sport that makes it so popular and important. The competition and desire on the pitch, pitted against the personal struggles and big life moments, our rugby family is there with us for both. These stories are special but not uncommon in our world and many people will be able to identify with Simon, Nic and Drew.”
BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival takes place in London from March 18-29 and is the biggest LGBTQ+ film festival in Europe.
For more information on Steelers screenings, cast and crew biographies and to view the trailer visit here:
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