NEW YORK (March 1, 2024) — The intersection of soccer and art goes well beyond film.

This is the central theme of the additional programming taking place during the 2024 Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival, March 14-16 at Football Cafe in New York City.

Here is what’s happening:  

“Soccer & the Creative Mind” Panel

Thursday, March 14

The beautiful game has mesmerized creative minds since its inception. Everyone from Albert Camus to Elton John to Peter Max has found inspiration in the game. The culture of the game today, combined with new avenues for communicating, seems even more conducive to expressing soccer through creativity. In “Soccer and the Creative Mind,” we will explore the intersection of soccer and creativity through the lens of fashion, film, and photography.

• Suzanne McKenzie, founder, ABLE MADE

• Owen Blackhurst, filmmaker and co-founder, MUNDIAL

• Pablo Bayona Sapag, co-founder & editor-in-chief, CLUBELEVEN

“For the Love of Crests” Exhibition

Throughout the festival

A new art exhibition featuring the work of globally renowned football brand designer Chris Payne.

• He said it: “Crests have a long history in football, but traditionally people have not viewed them as art,” Payne said. “That’s changed a lot over the past few years. Crests are art. They tell a story of the club, their community, and what the people at the club think is important. I’m thrilled to have some of my work showcased in an exhibition like this that helps elevate the artistic perception of crests and crest design.”

“Formations” Poster Exhibition

Throughout the festival

K+S 2024 FILM LINEUP

UK | 28m | Created by FootballCo, MUNDIAL & Wolves Studio

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. 

Also: 

• 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. 

Iceland | 1h 19m | Directed by Smari Gunn & Logi Sigursveinsson

Twenty-five years ago, Vidar Gylfason created a full, regulation 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!

Also:

• 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. 

UK | 1h 30m | Directed by Mat Hodgson

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. 

Also: 

• Lucy (Italy) — 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.