tussle 2026

Eliza becomes ostracised after hooking up with a popular boy at a high school party, and turns to mixed martial arts for emotional release. Noticed by Emil during an after-school dance class, she hooks up with him that night. The next morning things have changed: people won't look her in the eye, and her best friend Sean tells her they have lost respect for her. Walking home, she discovers a tucked-away Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym and is invited by the coach to train. As the bullying escalates and she does her best to hold things in, the gym becomes her refuge.

Written and directed by Gabrielle Torreborre
Produced by Skye Wilson & Angel Jordan, SkyeAngel Productions
Coach: Mauricio Gomes

16mm, 14 min, United Kingdom, 2026
Shot at Roger Gracie Academy, London. One half of Forte, GARO's debut collection.