Pritchard to kick off Street Kids United
Veteran documentary filmmaker Tim Pritchard is all set to direct feature documentary Street Kids United for Film and Music Entertainment (F&ME). The film will look at how a sporting event can change lives and raise the hopes of a group of British and African street kids as they prepare for the Street World Cup, and move on to the tournament.
Pritchard said, “The intention in Street Kids United is to capture the intoxication and anticipation of the ‘real’ World Cup as it approaches just a couple of months later. South Africa will be under the spotlight for the ‘real’ World Cup and the authorities will try to present the best image it can for the eyes of the world.
“Will this mean the police sweep up Durban’s street children and dump them in the bush as been done in the past? Or will the World Cup force the authorities to come up with constructive solutions to child homelessness?”
Producer and writer Sandy Markwick said, “Playing football for their countries can give back some innocence to a group of young people deprived of a childhood and help restore pride. Meeting other children from different continents and sharing experiences will empower them as they come to understand that they are not alone. Street Kids United will engage and uplift as the children grow in confidence to express themselves.”
F&ME’s Mike Downey said, “No game lays claim to being a ‘world game’ more than football. It is truly a global phenomenon from the glitter and riches of the European leagues to the dreams of children growing up in third world poverty. Football’s appeal extends across nations, cultures, religion and class. We hope this film will do the same.”
The film will be completed in time for the 2010 World Cup.
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