The problem of human trafficking through football, also known as football trafficking, has been covered in the media for almost 10 years. In Soka Afrika, Suridh Hassan puts together a sensitive portrayal of 2 teenage footballers trying to make a career in Europe in 2009. However, I do not recommend watching this film because it puts a good face on bad agents and furthers the myth of sports as a key way out of poverty. Continue reading “Review: Soka Afrika (2011)”
Review: Istanbul United (2014)
No words can adequately describe the courage and madness in fighting a government’s violence against its people. To understand this, you must watch it unfold. See how football fans influenced the 2013 Gezi protest in Turkey. Continue reading “Review: Istanbul United (2014)”
Review: Dirty Games (2016)
As sports fans, we should all thank Director Benjamin Best for his investigative journalism. We like to think that the games on which we spend so much time, money, and emotion, are equally true to us, the fans and supporters. Continue reading “Review: Dirty Games (2016)”
Review: Beirut Parc (2016)
Refugees comprise 20% of the population of Lebanon. If the USA had a similar percentage, the entire populations of New York and California would be refugees. To counter the effects of such chaos on Lebanon, international organizations like the United Nations try to help the children. Continue reading “Review: Beirut Parc (2016)”
[Review] Forbidden Games: The Justin Fashanu Story (2017)
Whether you are straight or gay, Forbidden Games documents a story that is tough to watch. As his brother John has noted, if Justin Fashanu had been born 30 years later, he would have been a hero. Instead, Justin’s life story is filled with regret from almost all who knew him. Continue reading “[Review] Forbidden Games: The Justin Fashanu Story (2017)”
Review: I Scored a Goal in the FIFA World Cup Final (2010)
I Scored a Goal in the FIFA World Cup Final is such a hokey title, that I thought this film must be a spoof. But no, it is an ESPN compilation of interviews of the then 33 remaining players who had actually done the deed, up through WC 2010. Continue reading “Review: I Scored a Goal in the FIFA World Cup Final (2010)”
Review: The People of Nejmeh (2015)
Throughout this website, the football stories of underdeveloped countries often reflect their nation’s politics. Continue reading “Review: The People of Nejmeh (2015)”
[Review] Save The Crew: The Fans vs The System (2017)
If they give an Oscar for brilliant documentary made under incredible time pressure, Save the Crew: The Fans vs the System wins hands down. Continue reading “[Review] Save The Crew: The Fans vs The System (2017)”
Review: Desert Fire (2016)
Working with the Bertha Foundation, The Guardian newspaper commissioned 12 short documentaries with global impact. Desert Fire covers a team representing Iraqi Kurdistan at the 2016 ConIFA World Cup. Continue reading “Review: Desert Fire (2016)”
[Review] Gold Stars: The Story of the FIFA World Cup Tournaments (2017)
You could be 90 years old and remember the greatest moments of all the World Cups. Or you could watch Gold Stars: The Story of the FIFA World Cup Tournaments, released in advance of WC 2018 as a 2-disk set or via streaming. Continue reading “[Review] Gold Stars: The Story of the FIFA World Cup Tournaments (2017)”