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Repton's Heartbeat: A Coach's Last Era Captured
29 Mar
Summary
- Documentary captures legendary coach Tony Burns' final years.
- Film set in Repton Boxing Club, Bethnal Green, with rich history.
- The documentary is an opening feature for BFI Southbank's boxing season.
The documentary 'Learning The Ropes,' a deeply personal project by former Repton boxer Ryan Pickard, is set to open the BFI Southbank's 'The Cinematic Life of Boxing' season. The film chronicles the last years of legendary coach Tony Burns MBE, who passed away in 2021 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Pickard, who trained at Repton since childhood, aimed to capture the spirit of the club and its people during Burns' final era.
Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green boasts a storied past, having produced numerous champions and even serving as a boxing ground for the Kray twins. Pickard highlights the club's unique community, where volunteers dedicate their time freely, fostering personal growth beyond just boxing achievements. Dr. Clive Chijioke Nwonka, a professor at the British Film Institute Southbank, was so moved by the film's sincerity that he secured it a prominent showing at the BFI, placing it alongside iconic boxing films like 'Rocky' and 'Creed.'
