Doc Edge 2024: Poised | Interview of Toby Robson

Cinema, and documentary cinema in particular, has this unique power and inspiration: it can delve into the most local and specific realities while resonating with a broad audience by presenting universally valuable stories. This is exactly what comes to mind when a group of young teenagers from post-industrial England, marked by social misery and violence, find themselves on New Zealand screens at an international documentary festival, the Doc Edge Festival 2024.

At its 19th edition, which opened in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the Doc Edge Festival hosted the world premiere of the feature documentary Poised, directed by British filmmaker Toby Robson. In Poised, a colossus with feet of clay, visibly marked by life, named Steven—or “the Sunderland Jason Statham,” as director Toby Robson calls him—tries to support young teenagers from inner-city areas in Sunderland, in North East England, through mixed martial arts (MMA). Produced by Jenny Dinwoodie and Katie Elliott, Robson’s feature is a generous film that loudly declares its passion for cinema, contrasting the usual minimalist and bleak depiction of such stories with a dynamic, music video-style approach that empowers its characters. The film might get a bit carried away by its own energy at times, and the over-emphatic music can quickly become overwhelming, but it still stands as a fine piece of character study. Poised looks at them straight in the eye, capturing both the development of these young men and the socio-economic reality of a lesser-represented England. We had the pleasure of speaking with Toby Robson, who was present in Christchurch for the world premiere of his film.

A story deeply rooted in Sunderland

The film kicks off with a heartening and refreshing montage of brief testimonials from numerous Sunderland inhabitants, collectively painting a vivid portrait of a city marked by limited economic prospects for its people, still trapped in the aftermath of deindustrialization, which has led to rising poverty and violence. Toby Robson hails from Newcastle, a city steeped in a historic rivalry with neighboring Sunderland. Despite the rivalry between both cities, Robson underscores a shared struggle: “We’re all connected because the decline of industry in the region links us all together.”

Against this background, Robson followed four teenage boys training in MMA alongside Steven, a pivotal character haunted by the suicide of his step-father, who was introduced to him through a mutual acquaintance a decade ago. Steven’s intensity and backstory captivated Robson, making him the perfect anchor for the documentary. The rest of the cast, including social workers Gemma and Jodie and young people like Aaron and Faiz, emerged through community connections.

The director’s commitment, especially emotionally, to crafting the film was total, following half a dozen characters over several months, including adolescents in full evolution and development. Robson faced numerous challenges, from scheduling difficulties to the unpredictable nature of the subjects’ lives. “Teenagers will be teenagers and life does not perform to a script. But they were committed,” he remarks. Yet, despite these hurdles, Robson’s dedication to capturing authentic stories remained steadfast.

Robson emphasizes that Poised is not just about sports or regional rivalries; it’s about the broader socio-economic issues facing the North East. The decline of traditional industries has left a void, leading to high unemployment and mental health challenges. “We have the highest suicide rate of men under the age of 45 in Britain,” Robson points out, a stark reminder of the region’s struggles.

Transformation Through Martial Arts

The frustration of a population hindered by economic hardships finds expression and release in one way or another. In Poised, it’s in the ring where this liberation occurs, depicting it not just as a cathartic outlet but also as a place of respect and value, far from the often portrayed image of a sport glorifying violence. Poised shines a light on how martial arts can serve as a powerful tool for personal transformation. Robson recounts Aaron’s journey, a troubled youth whose life was turned around through the discipline of martial arts. “The martial arts really leveled him and centered him,” Robson shares, highlighting Aaron’s subsequent success in being accepted into university.

Similarly, Sam and Lennon, other young protagonists, found new paths through their involvement in martial arts. Even though not all stories had a fairy-tale ending, as in the case of Faiz, who chose a different path, the documentary showcases the potential for positive change.

Robson’s film transcends the surface-level allure of sports and delves into the lives of real people. His inspiration stemmed from noticing that previous documentaries often missed the mark by focusing too much on sports stars rather than the communities themselves. “What was really interesting was the real people, the communities… they’ve got a great sense of gallows humor,” he notes. This human element became the crux of Poised, highlighting the resilience and authenticity of those young men.

An Aesthetic Documentary

Visually, Robson aimed to elevate Poised beyond typical journalistic documentaries. “I wanted to give it a sense of cinema,” he explains, striving for a narrative that combined aesthetic beauty with raw human emotion. “We wanted the visuals to reflect the emotional journey of the fighters,” Robson explains. Trusted and supported by Executive Producer Adam Donneky, Director of Photography Diego Rodriguez and editor Luca Salvatori, assisted by Alessio Rupalti, were instrumental in shaping the visual narrative, with Robson expressing gratitude for their collaborative efforts. The film’s visual language delicately balances the grit of the ring with the personal stories of resilience. Slow-motion sequences amplify the impact of each blow, while intimate close-ups reveal the fighters’ determination. “It was crucial to convey not just the physicality but also the inner struggles and triumphs,” Robson adds. The team’s commitment shines through in every aspect of the film, portraying MMA as both a spectacle and a profound human experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poised celebrates the resilience of North East England’s communities, highlighting the courageous journeys of young men battling for their lives and futures in the ring. Through a compelling portrayal of mixed martial arts, the documentary succeeds in a poignant character study, presenting individuals so strong, captivating, and diverse that one might wish to see Poised developed into a multi-episode series.

We are thrilled to be covering Doc Edge 2024 on the ground in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. Explore our exclusive coverage here.