"Pelada" (2010) is a documentary film that follows two former college soccer players, Luke Boughen and Gwendolyn Oxenham, on a global journey exploring pickup soccer culture. After their competitive soccer careers end, they travel to various countries, documenting informal soccer games played in streets, alleys, rooftops, and makeshift fields.
The documentary goes beyond just soccer, using the sport as a lens to explore different cultures, social dynamics, and human connections. They visit countries like Brazil, Argentina, Iran, Japan, and Kenya, capturing how soccer serves as a universal language that transcends social, economic, and cultural barriers.
The title "Pelada" is a Brazilian Portuguese term meaning "naked" or "bare," which in soccer context refers to pickup games played in their most basic, unstructured form. The film showcases how people from different backgrounds use soccer as a form of expression, community building, and personal passion.
Through intimate interviews and on-the-ground footage, the documentary reveals personal stories of players, demonstrating how soccer can be a powerful tool for understanding human experiences across different societies. It's both a travelogue and a celebration of soccer's global appeal, showing how the sport connects people regardless of their background.
The film received critical acclaim for its authentic approach to documenting soccer culture around the world, offering a unique and personal perspective on the global game.
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