After building an acclaimed career as an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, former PBS producer/director, and television reporter, Robyn Symon is entering a new chapter with her first narrative feature, Queen of Shock.
The Spanish-language thriller has been announced as an Official Selection at the 29th Dances With Films in Los Angeles, marking a major milestone in Symon’s transition from nonfiction storytelling to scripted filmmaking.
Inspired by the real Mexican street game known as “toques,” where participants voluntarily subject themselves to electrical shocks for entertainment, Queen of Shock transforms the unusual pastime into a high-stakes underground competition. The film centers on a struggling mother who risks everything by entering dangerous electrical shock matches in a desperate effort to rescue her kidnapped daughter.
Filmed entirely in Mexico with a predominantly local cast and crew, the production blends intense suspense with emotional themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and maternal love. The project also showcases Symon’s commitment to authenticity, grounding the story in its cultural setting while delivering a unique take on the thriller genre.
In our interview, Symon discusses the inspiration behind the film, the challenges of making the leap from documentaries to narrative features, and the experience of shooting in Mexico. She also reflects on how her years in journalism and documentary filmmaking helped shape her approach to storytelling and directing actors.
As Queen of Shock prepares for its festival debut, the film stands as an exciting introduction to Symon’s narrative voice and a promising new addition to the independent film landscape.
Watch our full interview with Robyn Symon below.
Check out the trailer!