The Story
Join the adventure of a lifetime– a soccer fan plan a challenging and exciting trip to attend the World Cup, and embark on a journey of discovery. This soccer fan with the team of two film-makers cross for three months the African continent from Morocco to South Africa, selecting a ‘dream team’ of soccer players from the countries still in contention: Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and South Africa. En route the travelers will also visit Togo, Benin, Gabon, Angola, and Namibia, with the possibility of others. Their journey takes them through a great variety of societies and cultures; and as they experience each player’s life in his own village, they realize that they have gained far more than they imagined at the start. They will take with them a better understanding of the multiplicity and richness, the struggles and successes, the new friends and opportunities, and most of all, a profound appreciation of all that Africa and its people are.
During this trip across the continent, we enter the daily life and routine in the home village or town of each player as he lives it. We explore his environment, both physical and social. We experience a typical meal, from preparation to clean-up; we meet friends, neighbors, and family in an informal setting; we enjoy hanging out with the player and his friends at their favorite spot; we participate in a pick-up soccer game; we join an impromptu party or celebration; we visit the player’s school; in short, we become a part of his personal world.
And we also experience each player’s larger world: we learn what local issues, needs, or problems his community must deal with. We observe how local and regional government affects his community, and the people’s concerns. We become aware of local organizations that are making a difference in such areas as education, health, improved food and shelter, protection and extension of human rights, and political influence.
The extent and scope of the trip will have inherent conflicts to cope with. The scorching dry heat and isolation of the desert will test the travelers’ resolve early on. Border crossings and customs officials will be a continuous hassle as they make their way across the continent. Driving on ‘roads’ with enormous potholes, crossing rivers, and maneuvering large boulders will take its toll on the vehicle, and its passengers. There is a high chance of becoming lost while attempting to find a player’s remote village. Political strife and turmoil, and the dangers that come with it, will be encountered along the way. Disease could hamper the travelers’ strength and progress. And of course, living together in close spaces will strain even the best of friendships at times.
