More Than a Game: The Heart of Mixed Ability Rugby

Embracing the Spirit of Rugby: A Lesson in Community

The film "Try!" beautifully illustrates that the essence of sports transcends mere competition. It teaches audiences that giving one's best and finding joy in camaraderie are far more significant than the outcome of a game. This powerful message emerges from the narratives of four Irish rugby teams, who challenge societal norms as they train for the Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup.

Mixed Ability Rugby: A Sport of Uniting Differences

Directed by Irish filmmaker Oisín Mistéil, the documentary delves into mixed ability rugby, a full-contact sport where players with diverse physical and learning capabilities compete alongside each other. The film made its debut at the Sheffield DocFest, under the festival's People & Community category, on June 13.

From Training Fields to the World Stage: The Journey of Irish Teams

"Try!" chronicles the dedication of these four Irish teams, from rigorous winter training sessions to the intense World Cup matches in Spain, where 32 teams from 16 nations vie for the title. The synopsis highlights the genuine competition, fierce tackles, and even more enthusiastic celebrations, revealing a world where inclusion isn't an aspiration but the foundation, and belonging is forged through shared struggles and triumphs.

Redefining Sports: Beyond the Sidelines

Within "Try!", audiences witness players discovering a profound sense of community in a sport that actively promotes participation for everyone. The film demonstrates how mixed ability rugby is transforming the landscape of sports, broadening perspectives on who can play and what it means to be an athlete.

The Visionary Behind the Lens: Oisín Mistéil's Inspiration

Executive produced by David Collins and produced by Claire McCabe, with cinematography by Esme McNamee and editing by Keith Walsh, "Try!" is a testament to collaborative filmmaking. Pipedream Productions is managing the sales for the documentary. Mistéil shared with The Hollywood Reporter his motivations for creating the film, stressing the importance of authenticity and the film's ability to convey universal themes of human joy and togetherness.

Rediscovering the Essence of Sport: A Director's Perspective

Despite not growing up playing rugby, Mistéil was deeply involved in other team sports. He expressed to The Hollywood Reporter that mixed ability rugby served as a powerful reminder of the true purpose of athletic endeavors. He reflected on how, unlike his current football games, the memories that truly last are the connections and shared moments, not necessarily the wins. He believes mixed ability rugby strips away the unimportant aspects of competition, underscoring that participation, a notion often dismissed as cliché, is profoundly meaningful in this context.

The Genesis of "Try!": From World Cup to Documentary Idea

Mistéil's initial encounter with mixed ability rugby occurred during the 2022 World Cup in Cork, Ireland. Noticing limited media coverage, he and producer Claire McCabe began attending training sessions and matches in Cork, where two of the featured teams are based. They were instantly captivated by the vibrant community and realized the potential for a compelling documentary, or even multiple projects.

Navigating Narratives: The Challenge of Scope

One of the primary challenges in the early production phases was narrowing the film's focus, given the abundance of extraordinary individuals and stories. Mistéil explained that beyond the typical underdog sports narrative and on-field drama, the players' personal journeys and the obstacles they overcame just to reach the pitch were immensely compelling.

Capturing the Atmosphere: Positivity and Humor

A crucial element of "Try!" is its vibrant atmosphere, which the filmmakers diligently captured. Mistéil noted that the sport provides a wonderfully positive and humorous environment to explore themes of ability and diversity. He found the refreshing lack of self-seriousness among participants contagious, hoping that this ethos of the sport, and its view on ability, resonates with the audience.

The Filming Process: "Brilliant Chaos" and Comprehensive Coverage

To adequately capture the various twists and turns leading up to and during the World Cup, the "Try!" team undertook extensive filming. Mistéil recalled shooting for approximately 32 days before the World Cup, ensuring ample time with each team and character. During the World Cup itself, three cameras were deployed to cover the action, as it was impossible to predict which games would be most dramatic or which teams would reach the finals. He described this intense period as "chaos – brilliant chaos."

Prioritizing Player Well-being: Safeguarding in Documentary Filmmaking

Safeguarding the welfare of the participants was paramount throughout the documentary's production. Mistéil emphasized the growing trust and friendship with the main characters over time, acknowledging the significant duty of care when filming individuals with mixed abilities. The team meticulously ensured that every person on camera understood the film's intentions and maintained control over their narratives. This involved creating simplified release forms and engaging guardians in discussions, highlighting the team's commitment to responsible storytelling.

"Try!": A Trojan Horse for Human Stories

Mistéil views "Try!" as more than just a sports documentary; it's a "Trojan horse" for a film about people, their resilience, and their triumphs over adversity. He explained the delicate balance required to intertwine competitiveness with inclusion, a challenge mirroring the sport itself. Both aspects, he noted, were crucial to convey.

The Editing Process: Emotion Beyond the Game

During editing, Mistéil and editor Keith Walsh found that the matches themselves became less central, while the moments after the games gained increasing importance. These included the speeches, pep talks, and gestures of camaraderie, which, according to Mistéil, were where the film's true emotional depth lay.

The Iconic Title: "Try!" with an Exclamation Mark

The title "Try!" was conceived early in the process, with Claire McCabe's husband often credited for the idea. Mistéil advocated for the exclamation mark, believing it added to the title's double meaning and aligned the film with a tradition of impactful, exclamation-marked titles like "Airplane!" and "Mamma Mia!". He felt it appropriately signaled the film's tone and messag