&039;KICKING IT&039; FILM SCORES SUPPORT FROM OFC

Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) is pleased and excited to be teaming up with the 2009 Human Rights Film Festival in support of the inspirational theme film ‘Kicking It.’

Screening in New Zealand’s four main centres throughout May, ‘Kicking It’ is a powerful story about football’s ability to unite and empower people from all sections of society – no matter what their socio-economic background may be.

‘Kicking It’ tells the tale of seven homeless people who share a passion for football and a burning desire to play at the 2006 Homeless World Cup in South Africa.

The film follows their individual journeys as they strive to overcome prejudice, substance abuse and the daily challenges of life on the streets.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says supporting the 2009 Human Rights Film Festival made sense for OFC.

“We are delighted to be an official supporter of this festival and more specifically ‘Kicking It’”, says Nicholas. “The film is a compelling reminder that people from all walks of life around the world can realise their footballing dreams through passion and dedication.”

‘Kicking It’ is the opening night feature film at all the main centres and starts in Auckland on Thursday 14 May, Christchurch on Thursday 21 May and Dunedin on Thursday 28 May. It has also screened in Wellington.  

Background information: 

The Human Rights Film Festival 2009 is being held in Wellington (7-15 May), Auckland (14-22 May), Christchurch (21-29 May) and Dunedin (28-5 June) and features 11 documentaries plus a selection of short films.  

The inaugural Homeless World Cup was held in Graz, Austria, in 2003 with 18 national teams competing.

The tournament is held annually and at the Melbourne 2008 event its numbers had grown to 56 national teams. The first Women’s Homeless World Cup was also held in Melbourne last year. 

The 2009 Homeless World Cup will be held in Milan from 6-13 September. 

www.humanrightsfilmfest.net.nz

Priscilla Duncan

Joel Tiller