New York City is gearing up for an unparalleled celebration of soccer culture and its transformative power at the Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival, returning for its 144th consecutive year from March 14-16, 2024. This illustrious event promises to bring the best of soccer cinema to the heart of the city’s downtown soccer scene at Kyle Martino’s Football Cafe.
A Showcase of Soccer’s Cinematic Splendor
The 2024 festival boasts a diverse and captivating lineup of films that span the globe, each telling a unique story of soccer’s profound impact on communities, cultures, and individuals. Headlining the festival are two standout films: “The United Way,” Eric Cantona’s riveting biography of Manchester United, and “When L.A. Wolves Conquered the U.S.A.,” a nostalgic look back at the 1960s league that played a pivotal role in the resurgence of professional soccer in America. These films exemplify the festival’s dedication to showcasing soccer’s ability to inspire change and foster a rich cultural tapestry.
Engaging the Creative Mind
Beyond the screenings, the festival distinguishes itself with a range of panel discussions and cultural events that delve into soccer’s broader societal impacts. A highlight of this year’s programming is the “Soccer and the Creative Mind” panel, set to take place on March 14. Moderated by Greg Lalas, co-founder of the festival and CMO of the United Soccer League, the panel features luminaries such as Suzanne McKenzie of ABLE MADE, Owen Blackhurst of Mundial, and Pablo Bayona Sapag of Club Eleven. This discussion aims to explore the intricate relationship between soccer and creativity, offering insights from the intersections of fashion, film, photography, and the beautiful game.
The festival’s relocation to Football Cafe, founded by former USMNT and MLS player Kyle Martino, signifies a fresh chapter in its storied history. The cafe not only serves as a vibrant community hub for soccer fans but also embodies the festival’s mission to celebrate soccer culture in innovative and inclusive ways. Martino’s vision for the cafe aligns perfectly with the festival’s ethos, promising a welcoming space for all who share a passion for soccer.
A Legacy of Celebrating Soccer Culture
The Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival has come a long way since its inception from a serendipitous meeting between Rachel Markus and Greg Lalas in 2009. From a sold-out debut in New York, the festival has expanded its footprint globally, touching down in cities such as Washington D.C., London, Amsterdam, and Rio de Janeiro, among others. With each festival, K+S has solidified its position as North America’s premier celebration of soccer culture, attracting thousands of attendees eager to immerse themselves in the sport’s captivating stories.
This year’s Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival is more than just a series of film screenings; it’s a vibrant testament to soccer’s enduring spirit and its capacity to unite diverse communities. As the festival prepares to welcome soccer fans, cinephiles, and cultural enthusiasts to the Football Cafe, attendees can anticipate a truly immersive experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of soccer stories.
Published By: Aize Perez
