Soccer Film Festival 2024
14th Annual Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival at The Football Cafe
The 2024 Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival returns for its 15th year in New York City, featuring stories about unique “soccer journeys” with the power to transform places, people, and passions.
The 2024 festival lineup is headlined by Eric Cantona’s Manchester United biography, The United Way, and the nostalgic documentary When L.A. Wolves Conquered the U.S.A., about the 1960s league that revived professional soccer in America and set the stage for today’s exploding soccer scene.
In all, 11 films — both features and shorts — will screen across the festival’s three days, from Thursday, March 14, through Saturday, March 16.
“The soccer film scene is blowing up right now, and, as always, we are thrilled to bring some of the best to fans in New York,” said K+S cofounder Rachel Markus. “The transformative power of soccer really comes to life in this year’s lineup, showing us how one person, one moment, or one idea can change not only the game, but also the culture within which the game exists. It’s thrilling and inspiring, and we believe the amazing NYC soccer community will love these stories.”
Additional programming: Panel discussions, special guests, and cultural events will be announced in the coming weeks.
New venue: K+S 2024 will take place at Football Cafe, a new soccer cultural center located in the heart of New York’s downtown soccer scene. Football Cafe was founded by former USMNT and MLS player Kyle Martino and has quickly become an integral part of the city’s footy culture.
“Football Cafe is all about community, and creating a space for everyone to gather and enjoy what we all love the most: the beautiful game,” said Kyle Martino, founder of Football Cafe. “Partnering with our friends at Kicking + Screening, the premier soccer culture-focused film festival, in our NYC location is an exciting way for us to relaunch our brand and officially reopen our doors to our beloved community. We can’t wait!”
NIGHT 1: Thursday, March 14th @ The Football Cafe, NYC
Feature Film:
When L.A. Wolves Conquered the USA (UK)
In 1967 — a decade before Pelé, 30 years before MLS, and 56 years before Messi — the United Soccer Association resurrected professional soccer in the United States. The 12-team league, made up of transplanted international clubs, including English side Wolves, was in many ways the birth of the modern American soccer movement. It changed everything.
Accompanying film(s):
Captains of Ukraine (Ukraine) — A poignant exploration of the difficult choices and circumstances that turn athletes into soldiers.
Sacred Turf (UK) — Paying homage to everyone behind the scenes.
The Lost Dreams (Iran) — Four sisters of Afghan origin struggle to survive, inspired by their love of football and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Oor Wally (Scotland) — The life and times of a Scottish football mascot.
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NIGHT 2: Friday, March 15th @ The Football Cafe, NYC
Feature Film:
The Home Game (Iceland)
Twenty-five years ago, Vidar Gylfason created a full, regulation- quality soccer pitch in the tiny Icelandic fishing village of Hellissandur (population: 369). It was his real-life “field of dreams.” But no team ever set foot on it. Now, Vidar’s son Kari is determined to bring soccer glory to Hellissandur and fulfill his father’s original dream. It won’t be easy, but with typical Icelandic pluck and humor, anything is possible!
Accompanying film(s):
Manikin of the Match (UK) — What happens when a wooden manikin plays goalkeeper?
Alley of Dreams (Italy) — Supporting Napoli when they win a Serie A title requires more than just cheering for a group of street urchins.
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NIGHT 3: Saturday, March 16th @ The Football Cafe, NYC
Feature Film:
The United Way (UK)
The epic story of a football club, a city, and a player whose unwavering belief in both helped lift them to unimaginable heights. Co-written and featuring the legendary Eric Cantona, this film explores all that makes Manchester United unique and dominant even in down years.
Accompanying film(s):
Lucy (Brazil) — A hip hop recounting of Brazilian women’s legend Maria Lucia Feitosa.
The End of the Game (Argentina) — The sights and sounds in the hours before and after the 2022 World Cup Final.
