Title:
Steel: The Blood of Us
Logline:
A cinematic love letter to the end of the industrial revolution.
Synopsis:
Steel: The Blood of Us is a cinematic love letter to the end of the industrial revolution, capturing the community of Port Talbot, Wales, in the final years of traditional steelmaking. Through raw, poetic storytelling and evocatively shot on 16mm film it weaves together the voices of generations to celebrate a way of life on the brink of vanishing.
Technical Specifications:
● Country of Production: United Kingdom
● Year of Completion: 2025
● Running Time: 46 minutes
● Language: English
● Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
● Exhibition Formats: DCP, 35mm print - mastered in 4K
● Shooting Format: Super 16mm Film
● Sound: Stereo / 5.1 mix available
Cast and Crew:
Director, Cinematographer and Editor: Joe Cornick
Producer: Joe Cornick
Co-Producer: Siân Adler
Executive Producers: David Evans, Craig McCall
Composer: Benjamin Doherty
Director's Statement:
Four years ago, I visited Port Talbot on my way home through Wales, stopping for a drink in a local pub on the edge of the towering steelworks. After a long conversation with a group of retired steelworkers about the history and uncertain future of Port Talbot’s steel industry, I felt strongly that their story had been misrepresented in the news and media - that there was more to this town than most people knew.
From the very beginning, I envisioned this documentary as something deeply rooted in both historical and artistic significance. It had to be more than just a record of events; it needed to be a reflection of the town’s spirit - both its resilience and its vulnerability. I wanted to create a film that would stand apart from anything previously made about Port Talbot and its people, blending archival depth with a stylised, cine-essay approach.
As word of the project spread I met more of the community, being welcomed into local clubs, cafés, and the steelworks. The generosity and openness I encountered were overwhelming. One family even took me into their home, offering me a place to stay for the entire production period. This support was the heart of the project, a reminder that this story wasn’t just mine to tell; it belonged to the people of Port Talbot.
The journey to making this film has been incredibly personal and, at times, uncertain. It took over three years to bring it to life, and for much of that time, I was working without funding, relying solely on passion and persistence. It was only in the final six months that financial support finally came through, allowing the film to reach completion. That struggle mirrored the very subject of the film - what it means to fight for something, to refuse to let it be forgotten.
Shooting on 16mm film was the obvious choice, not just for its unparalleled latitude in challenging environments but for the way it echoes the textures of industry, memory, and time. The grit, grain, and imperfections of celluloid mirror the essence of Port Talbot itself - a town built on strength, labour, and an unshakable identity.
My hope is to share not just the story of Port Talbot - whose steelworks tragically closed in late 2024 - but to highlight a much bigger conversation about the UK’s industrial future. This film is a call to action, a reminder of what we stand to lose if we don’t fight to keep industry alive. It’s about more than steel - it’s about people, legacy, and the choices we make as a society about what we value.