The goal

Goal!

2006-02-23 17:12:00
Hussain Kodinhi
First Published : 26 Feb 2006 12:00:00 AM IST
26 February,2006. The Indian Express
Malappuram is an off-season destination for many international players, from countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Algeria. With remarkable public support, more than a thousand matches are played here every year. International tournaments like the World Cup, the Euro Cup and the Confederations Cup are big events here, and cinema halls even suspend regular shows to screen matches. The district is also home to many players in Indian football.
And now, Malappuram has scored another distinction, by hosting a six-day film festival exclusively on soccer. The aptly named Kickoff was the first of its kind in our country, with 17 films from India and abroad. Seminars and discussions on related topics were organised on the sidelines. It was a rare opportunity for fans.
The festival was kicked off with the American film The Giants of Brazil, about the Brazilian team, the only one to win the World Cup four times. Pele Forever (Brazil) showcased the living legend. Maradona - Villain or Victim traced the life of the Argentinean hero, and About Maradona Kicking the Habit followed his tragedies related to drug addiction.
Escobar’s Own Goal was the chilling story of Colombian footballer Andres Escobar, who was brutally murdered for scoring a self-goal for his team in the 1994 World Cup. The Cup (Bhutan), The Miracle Bern (Germany), Two Halftimes in Hell (Hungary), Bend It like Beckham (UK), How Heysel Changed Football (UK) and Escape to Victory (USA) were some of the other films screened. Kalo Harin (a musical documentary on IM Vijayan by Cherian Joseph), Oru Nadu Kali Kanunnu (Deepak Narayan’s documentary, tracing the roots of the football craze in Malappuram) and Sevens were the Indian films shown.
Kickoff was organised by Malappuram Manass, a cultural organisation, in association with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala, and the Kerala Chalachithra Academy