A new film about one of Gloucestershire's oldest and wackiest traditions is being released this autumn 2026.
Shindiana: Legend of the Shin Kick is a 15-minute documentary which focuses on two-time world shin kicking champion, Mike Newby, as he attempts to claim a historic third title at the Cotswold Olimpick Games, produced by West Midlands-based Big Dog Creative Productions and funded by the BFI Doc Society Fund.
The Cotswold Olimpick Games have been taking place on Dover's Hill in Chipping Campden since 1612 and are considered Britain's oldest sporting competition.
With nicknames like Legs Benedict, The Shin Reaper, and Mike's own moniker, Shindiana Jones, shin kicking competitors share an intense obsession for this silly sporting tradition, stuffing their trousers full of straw and manhandling each other as they try to kick their opponent to the ground – and like the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling, the spectacle attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The film's award-winning director and producer Luke Dell headed up video production for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and has now turned his attention to Gloucestershire to document this bizarre and beloved tradition.
Mike, who is from Cheltenham, has won the title twice and is aiming for a hattrick, with the film following his unique training regime of kicking trees while out walking his dog, and asking 'what it means to be the best in the world at something most people have never heard of.'
The film features an original score by Faz Shah, as well as a special track by folk band Skinny Lister, who wrote a song about Mike's shin kicking escapades before reaching out to collaborate on the film.
Mike said: 'I love how the film shows how seriously I take this seriously stupid sport. There is more to life than shin kicking but watching this film, you wouldn't think so.'
Luke added: '2024 was full of heavy, important, often devastating projects. I wanted to make something different, funny, tense, human. A story that leaves you feeling good, not hollowed out.'
Described as 'character-driven, funny and tense with a Monty Python-inspired animation aesthetic', it promises to be a must-watch for shin kicking fans – and anyone curious about this quirky Cotswold pastime.
The trailer for Shindiana: Legend of the Shin Kick premieres on YouTube at 10am on Friday 28 August 2026, with the documentary touring film festivals in autumn.
