Atlanta Soccer News: Art, Music and Culture: Pelada Documentary

Pelada Documentary

Pelada Documentary
By: mdavis


So we are very excited about the work in progress that is “Pelada” the soccer documentary. For one year four recent U.S. college graduates decided to travel to 25 different countries and document what the game is all about. The film focuses on the culture of the sport that is far from the manicured fields, bright lights and professional stadiums.

Here is a quick description of the film:

Tucked away on alleys, side streets, and concrete courts, people play in improvised games. Every country has a different word for it. In the United States, we call it “pick-up soccer.” In Trinidad, it’s “taking a sweat.” In England, it’s “having a kick-about.” In Brazil, the word is “pelada,” which literally means “naked”—the game stripped down to its core. It’s the version of the game played by anyone, anywhere—and it’s a window into lives all around the world.

Pelada is a documentary following Luke and Gwendolyn, two former college soccer stars who didn’t quite make it to the pros. Not ready for it to be over, they take off, chasing the game. From prisoners in Bolivia to moonshine brewers in Kenya, from freestylers in China to women who play in hijab in Iran, Pelada is the story of the people who play.

From what we can tell the project needs a little help to get finished. If you are interested in helping this project get on its feet and out to the upcoming film festivals feel free to make a donation.

We will have more from the creators of the film in the coming week, stay tuned. Check out the trailer!



Pelada from Rebekah Fergusson on Vimeo.