Soccer has been described as “The Beautiful Game,” and that’s also the name of a new documentary that will be screened for the first time on Saturday here in Washington. Director Victor Buhler and Producer Julian Cautherley will present the documentary at the National Museum of African Art, an appropriate venue for a project described as “a dynamic, positive and moving film about Africa.” The film was shot in seven African countries and features African football star Didier Drogba, the rugged striker for Chelsea and Ivory Coast, as well as African leaders such as former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and retired South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Let’s take a look at a preview of the documentary.
As Archbishop Tutu says in the documentary, football has a following larger than any one religion, and “almost every African is a supporter of one (football) team or another.” I saw that passion for “the beautiful game” last year when I traveled to Archbishop Tutu’s homeland of South Africa for coverage of the FIFA World Cup. And I plan to see it again on Saturday when I make the short trip to the National Museum of African Art to view this documentary, a film the director says is “for those who believe in the power of sport to bring people together.”
This is a powerful work. As a Nigerian, and an African, I felt vindicated by the truth revealed in this documentary clip. Even the most intimidating men of power become school boys during a match involving their favorite teams.
If it is possible, I would appreciate getting in touch with Victor Buhler.
I would like to arrange for the showing of the documentary in Nigeria. It would certainly make a huge impact and keep people hopeful.
Thank you
Hi Remi. Sporty greetings from VOA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Thank you for your comments. I will pass them on to Victor Buhler, Director of “The Beautiful Game.” Could you please send me your email address and contact information?
Thanks,
Sonny
Hi, Sonny. Thank you for your reply. I appreciate this. My email is remi.olutimayin@gmail.com and my phone numbers are: +2348073206961, +2348069712752.
I have access to people who can get the showing of the documentary in Nigeria possible.
It can be done.
Thanks,
Remi Olutimayin
Any plans to have this shown on PBS?