Courts of Belonging is a 10-minute short film that expresses the benefits of playing soccer, facilitated by having a place to play. In Maine, the Kennedy Park futsal court creates a soccer melting pot, where migrants come together to enjoy the world’s game.
I review few short films, but this documentary from director Santiago Tijerina has a fresh and happy feel that really captures the benefits of street soccer, in Maine of all places.
Background
The futsal court opened in 2021. Jon Cross founded a club, Kennedy Park FC, to bring migrants together and build community. While the film doesn’t cover his personal story, Jon Cross is all of a reformed drug addict, collegiate soccer player, soccer coach, and now drug counselor. He’s an interesting guy with a lot of charisma, and you can read more about him here and here.
8 Soccer Movie Mom Rating = 8
Resources:
- Released: 2024-01 (Vimeo)
- In English and a little Portuguese
- not on IMDB
- Director: Santiago Tijerina
- Stars: Jon Cross , Biken Gurung , Eliezer Simao
- Watch the Film
- Kennedy Park FC website
