Men in the Arena

Apr 11 2017 N/A 1h 25m

Documentary, News, Sport

A touching story of friendship, struggle and triumph, the film follows the journey of two Somali national soccer team friends chasing their dreams in the face of impossible odds. After surviving two decades of war, Saadiq, 17, and Sa’ad, 19, the team’s most promising stars, enter the only televised match of the year hoping scouts will be watching. With passports of no value on the world stage, soccer may be their only shot to escape a growing terror threat, persecution and poverty. Against the backdrop of fear and shared sacrifice, they embark on separate but equally improbable journeys. In the opportunity of a lifetime, Saadiq sets off for America with dreams of an education and a soccer career. Sa’ad continues his career in Mogadishu with the hopes of someday being reunited with his friend. Their biggest dream is shared – to be symbols of hope to generations who have only known war.

Plot

To the world, they evoke images of terror. To their countrymen, they are transformational athletes. To their families, they are a lifeline. The unforgettable story of two Somalia National Football Team friends chasing professional dreams in the face of impossible odds.

Written by

Brian Bellinkoff, J.R. Biersmith

Directed by

J.R. Biersmith

Cast

Barkhad Abdi, Mark Bowden, Sa'ad Hussein

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya

Production Companies

2728 Pictures

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores

# of Votes

Average Rating

7.7 out of 10

Metascore

Popularity

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