Bristol Director's Martial Arts Movie Debuts After 5-Year Passion Project

Tobias Jon, a writer and director from Bristol, has achieved his dream by creating his first feature film, 'Gifted Pain'. The movie, which is set to premiere at the Bristol Mega Screen on Saturday, tells the story of Christopher, a young man who tries to escape a troubled childhood and discovers he has mysterious abilities. The film is a martial arts drama, filled with action and emotional moments, and was shot in several locations around Bristol, including Avonmouth, Stokes Croft, and Johnny Ball Lane. 'Gifted Pain' has already received recognition, winning awards at international film festivals, which is a huge accomplishment for Tobias and his team. Tobias has loved films since he was a child, finding comfort and excitement in watching movies. He remembers seeing his first Bruce Lee film at the age of 12, which inspired him to learn more about martial arts and the genre Bruce Lee helped create. Tobias believes that martial arts can give people a sense of purpose, discipline, and motivation, which is reflected in the story of 'Gifted Pain'. Making the film was not easy. Tobias and his crew spent 35 days filming, but the entire process took five years because of financial challenges. When the Covid pandemic began, many of the people who were funding the project pulled out, making it even harder to continue. Despite these setbacks, Tobias decided to keep going, motivated by the idea that 'you only live once'. Most of the cast and crew worked for free or just for expenses, showing their dedication to the project. Tobias admits that he thought about giving up many times, but the support from his team kept him going. He is proud of what they accomplished together and feels that the film is a tribute to Bristol and its creative community. The premiere of 'Gifted Pain' is a significant event for Tobias and everyone involved. It represents years of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. Tobias hopes that the film will inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be. He encourages people in Bristol to come and watch the movie, and to share their own stories with BBC Bristol. The city is known for its creative spirit, with people working on exciting projects like cycling challenges and innovative studios. Tobias's journey shows that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve something meaningful. 'Gifted Pain' is not just a film; it is a celebration of Bristol's talent and the power of never giving up.