Michael Bay’s Thrilling Yet Emotional Parkour Doc ‘We Are Storror’ Receives Howling Standing Ovation at SXSW

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Michael Bay’s “We Are Storror” opens with an on-screen advisory: “Please do not try any of the actions depicted in this film.

It’s fair to conclude that those attending SXSW on March 8, who were the first to view the documentary on a large screen, were profoundly impressed, somewhat apprehensive, but certainly not eager to try out the daring stunts featured in the film about parkour team Storror.

Stepping away from the typical CGI spectacles I’m known for, this time, it’s raw, unfiltered reality. Making my first foray into documentary filmmaking at a prestigious festival, I was met with thunderous applause and chants of my name upon introducing the film. As the screening unfolded, viewers were left on the edge of their seats, gasping at the death-defying stunts and gruesome injuries that transpired, culminating in a standing ovation as five of the seven Storror members and I exited the stage, leaving behind an awestruck audience.

Storror is made up of two sets of sibling pairs, along with three friends – Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar – all of whom have been athletes for over a decade.

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Storror is comprised of two sets of brothers, as well as three friends: Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar, who have been athletes for more than a decade.

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Storror is formed by two pairs of brothers and three friends – Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar, all of whom have been athletes for over a decade.

OR

Storror is made up of two sets of brothers and three friends – Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar, all of whom have been athletes for more than a decade.

OR

Storror is composed of two sets of brothers, in addition to three friends – Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar – all of whom have been athletes for over a decade.

OR

Storror is made up of two sets of brothers, along with three friends: Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar – all of whom have been athletes for over a decade.

OR

Storror is comprised of two sets of brothers, as well as three friends: Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar – all of whom have been athletes for over a decade.

OR

Storror is formed by two sets of brothers and three friends: Max Cave, Ben Cave, Callum Powell, Sacha Powell, Josh Burnett-Blake, Drew Taylor, and Toby Seglar – all of whom have been athletes for over a decade.

The document featured Marcio Filipe, a good friend and teammate who accompanied them on their initial filming trip to Portugal; however, while rehearsing one of their jumps, he took a fall resulting in severe injuries. A collective intake of breath could be heard in the theater as the video showed his injury, his face covered in blood and a visible bone protruding from his leg. It’s safe to say that “We Are Storror” is not for the faint-hearted; yet, if you can endure it, it offers more than just excitement – it’s also an emotionally charged tale of a family. The strong following of Storror was evident during the Q&A session, as one viewer expressed that witnessing their camaraderie had helped her through a difficult period in her life.

Due to legal constraints, Bay wasn’t able to be present at any of the filming for the documentary, but he couldn’t resist the opportunity to direct it. His first encounter with the team was when he hired them for his 2019 action movie titled “6 Underground.” Later on during the pandemic, Taylor contacted him regarding the docuementary. During the question and answer session, the director made a point to express that he did not endorse the actions depicted in the documentary – such as trespassing or putting lives at risk.

On the contrary, I have no interest in learning about your activities. I disapprove of them wholeheartedly as they appear to be unlawful. Frankly, I find this behavior reprehensible. To set the record straight, I’m neither a participant nor a creator in this project. Therefore, please don’t associate me with it. Feel free to contact me at a later time, and I’ll take a look at the footage to see if there’s potential for licensing.” This is how Bay expressed himself on stage.

For the first time, he is stepping into the role as a director for a full-length documentary. Before the premiere of his movie at SXSW, Bay shared insights about the filmmaking journey and what attracted him to these exceptional athletes, who not only demonstrate remarkable skills but also have the unique ability to capture footage using self-mounted cameras.

Picture this scenario: You’re a professional basketball or baseball player. In your game, you must attempt every shot or swing without fail. If you miss a shot in basketball or strike out in baseball, consider it a game-ending defeat.

The danger element, however, is on another level.

One reason our work is so appealing is because of its lack of safety regulations,” Taylor explained. “We can’t operate any other way. If we were to wear safety gear, then we’d be like stunt performers. But that’s not who Storror is; we do it for the real deal.

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2025-03-09 03:47