Its lights out and spotlight on for the best football films from all over the world. From the Champions League final of 1999 to the World Cup final in Rio, the international football film festival “11mm” once again has a lot to offer. On Thursday the German premiere of Spanish documentary “Messi-the film” will open the festival in Berlin’s “Babylon” cinema. Presented by the DFB-Cultural Foundation, over 40 football themed films will be shown until Monday.
A particular focal point of this year’s festival is the Brazil World Cup in 2014, bringing a lot excitement and atmosphere back to the silver screen. On a footballing journey from Cuba to Uruguay and then to Samoa, visitors can expect the richest variety of cultures and fan perspectives. Also, the history of the European Cup will not be missed, with this year’s Champions League final taking place in Berlin.
Run up to the „Golden Eleven”
When the 4500 visitors come to pick their personal favourites from the 40 films, it’s time for one of the festival highlights- the presentation of the “Golden Eleven” award. This prize is enjoying growing interest from film makers. Last year 150 films from 27 countries were nominated, with Lars Pape and Holder Schürmann’s “Fortunas Legenden”, a film about Fortuna Düsseldorf, coming out on top.
This year, all eyes are on “Messi- The Film“, directed by Spaniard Álex de la Iglesia. He describes the journey of the Argentinean from his boyhood club Rosario, to becoming a Barcelona superstar, Ballon d’Or winner, and Argentina captain.
DFB-Cultural Foundation has sponsored "11mm" since 2009
American Samoa doesn’t have a Ballon d’Or winner; however, having lost 31-0 to Australia, they are world record holders and have never won a game. Indeed they have only ever scored twice. The film “Next Goal Wins” depicts how manager Thomas Rongen wants to change this.
At the "11mm Shortkicks-Gala" on Monday, the best short films will be presented. An expert jury of footballers, actors and directors will decide the winner from the nine nominated films. Until Friday, the smaller version of the festival – “11minimeter” – is taking place. The “Sportjugend”, a sports organisation dedicated to young people, will hold an education seminar to engage the festival’s younger audience. Age appropriate films will be shown in the Film Theatre in Friedrichshain, with education discussions taking place afterwards.
The 12th international festival, which has been sponsored by the DFB- Cultural Foundation since 2009, will be rounded off with a cultural programme. Visitors will be invited to readings from Stefanie Fiebrig and Frank Baade, as well as a photography exhibition- “A Winter’s Tale in Brazil” by Guido Baumann. The highlight and finale of the festival is the presentation of the “Golden Eleven” award on Monday.