Robin Mason’s ‘Steel Town’ Short Premieres on Nowness

In May this year, Archer’s Mark director Robin Mason headed to Port Talbot, a small town in south Wales that is synonymous with one thing: steel. Port Talbot steel works were once the biggest producers of steel in Europe. "Having followed developments about its decline it was clear, the residents and workers were not angry at the Indian-owners, this was simply globalization in action, and the plant could not survive while losing a million pounds a day. I was struck by the idea that a town’s identity, and arguably survival, could be reliant on a single entity and decision makers on the other side of the world.” said Mason.

On discovering that a judgement was going to be made on the future, Robin wanted to record an observational portrait of the town and community before its identity would possibly change forever. This was filmed on the 29th May, one day before that decision was made in Mumbai, almost 5000 miles away. ’Steel Town' premiered on Nowness as part of their ‘Portraits of a Place’ series. 

Shot entirely on 16mm Robin this is one of a series of personal projects Robin has been developing this year outside of his commercial work. He is creating a series of films that authentically capture moments and places in the world.

Click here to view the film on Nowness.