Spotlight on Directors: Fabia Martin on Six For Gold at Northampton Film Festival

February 23, 2025

Ellie Bea Thomas and Fabia Martin sit on stage. — From left: Ellie-Bea Thomas and Fabia Martin

In the fourth installment of Spotlight on Directors, I sit down with filmmaker Fabia Martin to discuss her latest project, Six For Gold. The film, which has been entered into the Northampton Film Festival (running from 7th to 15th March), tells the story of Northants’ rhythmic gymnast Ellie- Bea Thomas as she trains for the Special Olympics World Games.

We discuss the inspiration behind the story, Ellie’s journey, and Fabia’s unique perspective as the director.

Watch the full interview and the official trailer below.

Director Statement

I am an award-winning director & writer with a passion for telling unheard stories in fresh ways.

My career began in TV development devising factual films for the BBC, Channel 4, and Vice. Today, I make films for global brands such as Google, Nike, Samsung & Dove with a focus on real stories and great characters with a bright comedic edge.

My comedy short, The Rev, was supported by the BFI and premiered at the London Film Festival. It was later screened at prestigious national and international festivals including Manchester Film Festival, Underwire, Cambridge, and Pride Pictures in Germany, and was shortlisted for Best British Short and highly commended at the ‘Oscars’ of the LGBTQ+ short film world, the IRIS Prize. It is now hosted on Channel 4.

My debut coming-of-age feature is in development, and I have a comedy pilot in development with a London-LA-based production company. At the end of 2023, I was awarded the First Flights x Kodak Film Fund for Six for Gold, a documentary that follows the journey of a Team GB rhythmic gymnast with Down’s Syndrome as she goes for gold at the Special Olympics.

I don’t look for stories. When I’m surprised by a situation, or there’s an amazing character doing something out of the ordinary, that’s what draws me in.”

Ellie-Bea has already claimed a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Germany.