‘Try!’ Director on His Sports Doc That Is a “Trojan Horse for a Film About People and Their Abilities”
The film from Irish director Oisín Mistéil, premiering at Sheffield DocFest, follows four Irish teams on their journey to the Mixed Ability Rugby World Cup, where "inclusion isn't an aspiration but t…
The film from Irish director Oisín Mistéil, premiering at Sheffield DocFest, follows four Irish teams on their journey to the Mixed Ability Rugby Worl
Read Full Story at Hollywood Reporter →Why This Matters
This film transcends conventional sports documentaries by framing athletic competition as a lens to examine human resilience and societal progress. Its focus on mixed-ability teams challenges persistent narratives about disability and excellence, offering a model where participation—not performance—defines success.
Background Context
Mixed-ability sports have roots in post-war Britain, but Ireland’s adoption of the format reflects a broader European shift toward adaptive athletics programs that prioritize social integration over therapeutic outcomes. The upcoming World Cup represents a milestone for teams that blend neurodiverse, disabled, and non-disabled athletes in competitive play.
What Happens Next
If the film garners festival attention, it could amplify calls for similar programs in schools and clubs, particularly in regions where disability inclusion remains an afterthought. The director’s framing of rugby as a ‘Trojan horse’ suggests a strategy to mainstream these conversations beyond niche advocacy circles.
Bigger Picture
Documentaries about adaptive sports are gaining traction as audiences increasingly reject binary notions of ability, increasingly demanding media that reflects the spectrum of human experience. This project aligns with a global push toward equitable representation in sports storytelling, where authenticity is measured not in pity, but in parity.
