"Kicking It" at Georgetown

Tonight, the Georgetown University Library Associates screened the documentary "Kicking It" at Georgetown's Gaston Hall. The film tells the story of the 4th Annual Homeless World Cup held in Cape Town in 2006 through the eyes of players from the US, Ireland, Kenya, Russia, Afghanistan, and Spain. The tournament, played on a street soccer pitch, hosted 500 homeless players from 48 countries that year.

"Kicking It" does a fantastic job of showing the humanity of these men who have spent time on the streets and in jail and rehab, yet all with the goal of improving their lives through sport, exercise, and teamwork. At the end of the film, which features extensive interviews, training, and actual tournament footage, I felt as if I had made the journey with them even though I'll never be able to fully comprehend the challenges and struggles these men have faced.

Producer Ted Leonisis (of AOL/Lincoln Holdings/SnagFilms fame) and director Susan Koch led a Q&A session following the screening where they discussed the power of film as a catalyst for social progress and what Leonis calls "filmanthropy." "Kicking It" is a great example of the ability of the documentary genre to educate, entertain, and, hopefully, create a force for positive change. It's a must see, especially in these tough economic times which are disproportionately affecting the most needy.

To watch a 20 minute excerpt on SnagFilms, click here.

To visit the official "Kicking It" website, click here.

For more on the Homeless World Cup (to be held next month in Melbourne, Australia), click here.

***UPDATE***: Ted linked to this post on his great blog, Ted's Take (thanks!)