Director and Producer: Mathew Currie

Cinematographer: Matthew Perren

Steel and Glory is more than a documentary about armored combat. It is a story about resilience, ambition, and bearing the weight of representing one’s nation on an international scale.

Buhurt is a competitive sport that recreates medieval-style fighting. Competitors duel with metal armor and blunt weapons. This documentary follows fighters in the Buhurt World Championship as they compete against other fighters in hopes of winning. Navigating this European-dominated sport means an equal pursuit of gold. It’s a sport that challenges not only the body and mind but also resilience.

With a wide array of personalities, the fighters view the sport through different lenses. For some, it is their anchor; for others, it’s a sport, but the end goal still remains going home as a gold winner. As much as the sport may look dangerous, it is governed by safety policies that ensure all warriors go home safely. However, the fighters may sometimes leave with a broken bone. This documentary highlights the competitors’ dedication, determination, and frustration. While the concept of winning gold drives the narrative, it mostly shows the weight of representing a nation.

This documentary is brought to life by wide shots capturing the battlefield and the competitors, which complement the fight scenes, allowing viewers to see the dynamics between the teams. Without sacrificing clarity, the camera gets close-up shots of the action, allowing each clash to be felt rather than merely observed.

The film takes into consideration the emotional weight carried when viewers get to know the people behind the armour. Therefore, it balances interviews and fight scenes effectively, creating a well-structured sequence. The film’s sound design is one of its strengths. The clang of armour, the heavy boots’ movement, and the shouts from spectators ensure the intensity of the sport can be seen and heard.

This documentary portrays Buhurt in an interesting light, making those unfamiliar with the sport invested in it. It gives context for its origins, its rules, and what it means to be part of such a demanding sport. The cherry on top is that it includes women’s teams as well.

Ultimately, Steel & Glory is as much about the competitors pursuing greatness as it is about the sport itself. It is a compelling story of resilience, dedication, and ambition. Through the competitors, we truly see what the sport means to each of them, making it all the more meaningful.