Documentary, 2007
Directors: Alexander H. Browne, Christopher Browne
USA/ Arabic, English, Hebrew with subtitles
84 minutes
This documentary follows the incredible rollercoaster of ups and downs of a mixed Arab-Israeli-foreigner soccer team that originates in one of the predominately Arab areas of Israel, is the poorest team in the country, but in winning the national cup in 2004 became a symbol of Arab-Israeli unity. Their co-existence on the field became a role model to their society and gave a unifying symbol to root for to all their fans. However, being a symbol can become a crushing responsibility, because then what happens if you lose? Will they be able to keep up the momentum after their great underdog victory with the pressure of an entire country's eyes and hopes on their shoulders the next season? That is what we will find out.
This film is another example of how the festival goes out of its way to showcase all viewpoints, as the view of Arabs as the minority and how they feel often like deprived, second-class citizens is discussed here. The clashes between their supporters and those for other teams also brings out some ugly aspects of the conflict from both sides.
Lucy Cruell