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Deep Dive: Kicking It (2008)

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Kicking It
Kicking It is a 2008 documentary directed by Susan Koch and Jeff Werner that focuses on the experiences of seven homeless individuals participating in the Homeless World Cup football tournament. The film features residents from various countries, including Afghanistan, Kenya, and Ireland, and was filmed during the 2006 event in Cape Town, South Africa, where 48 teams of 500 homeless people competed. Narrated by Colin Farrell, the documentary aims to shed light on the lives of these individuals through the lens of sport. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008 and was later distributed by Liberation Entertainment, Netflix, and ESPN. While it received mixed reviews, it was noted for its portrayal of the participants' stories and the impact of football on their lives. Co-producer Ted Leonsis described the project as an act of 'filmanthropy', using media to promote social change, while Farrell expressed his emotional connection to the stories presented in the film.

Why Watch

  • •Meet seven inspiring homeless athletes from around the world.
  • •See the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
  • •Find out how football impacts lives beyond the game.

Did You Know

•The Homeless World Cup started in 2003 in Austria.
•In 2006, 48 teams with 500 homeless individuals participated in the tournament.
•The documentary premiered at Sundance in January 2008.
•Colin Farrell narrated the film after being moved by the stories of Najib from Afghanistan and Simon from Ireland.

Perfect For

Sports enthusiastsSocial change advocatesDocumentary fans