goal! aids development as tinseltown comes to zurich
Friday 7 October, 2005 witnessed the premiere of Goal! The Movie in Zurich, a film which is taking box offices worldwide by storm.
The story centres on Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker), a young Mexican immigrant who spends his childhood in the barrios of LA, longing to play professional football. Years later, having been spotted by former-agent Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane), Santiago suddenly finds his dream is within shooting distance - with a trial at Newcastle United FC. But will he make the grade?
Goal! is already been praised by critics and viewers as: 'a warm tribute to the beautiful game with good performances,' 'a film with excellent and realistic match sequences' and for its 'balance of humour and heart.'
Therefore it is no surprise that all those who attended the Corso Cinema on Theatrestrasse, Zurich all enjoyed the premiere.
In true football fashion, green carpet, rather than the traditional red carpet, was on display and the interior of the cinema was decorated with hundreds of footballs as the great and the stars of the silver screen and soccer came together for a memorable night.
The evening began with an Apero - a drinks gathering for FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA General Secretary Urs Linsi and the stars of the film, including Becker to make acquaintances.
At eight o'clock, the FIFA President addressed those gathered in the cinema to reveal his thoughts on the film. "I really like it very much because it conveys the two main elements of my football philosophy - the hope to achieve success through football and emotions," he said. "From a film angle I found it great how the story was full of life, with love but death also as an integral part."
Following the film, Becker gave a speech and then it was off to the Restaurant Terrasse, Limmatquai for an after-show party. Former Germany and Liverpool star Karl-Heinz Riedle was said to like the film, as did Zurich City Councillor Kathrin Martelli who admitted to being: "completely immersed in the film because it was so strong on emotions."
However, while Goal! provides some excellent entertainment, 2% of the proceeds from the film are going to help FIFA's Development programme; to assist football projects around the globe. FIFA Director of Development Mary Harvey said: "It is fantastic that 2% of the proceeds from this film will go towards the development of football. We will be able to put these funds to good use in our programmes right away."
Therefore, when you go to see the film - you know that you'll be helping a very worthwhile cause indeed.
