“Next Goal Wins,” is a happy and inspiring movie which gives a funny spin on the American Samoa national soccer team’s efforts to redeem itself from a humiliating 31-0 demolition at a FIFA tournament in 2001 in Australia.
A private showing of the film took place, Saturday, at Nu’uuli Cinema, and here for the event was the award winning Māori director and writer Taika Waititi, co-writer Iain Morris and one of the stars of the movie, Samoan actor, Oscar Kightley.
The movie which was shot in Hawaii, with a few scenes of American Samoa, is billed as a sports comedy.
The main characters are Dutch-born, America-based coach, Thomas Rongen, who was hired by the American Samoa Football Federation (FFAS) to turn things around for the national team in preparation for an Oceania qualifier; the director of the Federation, Tavita Taumua; and transgender soccer player, Jaiyah Saelua.
Rongen, played by Michael Fassbender, throws the towel in a few times, being frustrated over evening sa interrupting practice, no training on Sunday, not having the amenities he’s used to, and players not being serious in training.
Then, shockingly, the national team defeats Tonga 2-1 at an Oceania qualifier for the World Cup.
In the audience on Saturday were members of the national soccer team, FFAS officials and family and friends of some of the characters.
Waititi said, due to COVID, the film, which was shot in 2014, took so long to make but he’s happy it will be released in a few months.
Play Audio
We asked Jaiyah Saelua, who captained the team in its victory against Tonga, if she was pleased with her portrayal in the film.
Play Audio
“Next Goal Wins” will be released in November.
