ZANZIBAR SOCCER QUEENS (Florence Ayisi, Tanzania/UK). 52 minutes. May 17, 7 pm, Revue. Rating: NNNN
In this relatively short but powerful documentary, soccer becomes a medium of liberation and creativity for scores of women in Zanzibar.
In a series of interviews, some of them talk about how their lives have been transformed, their bodies strengthened, their spirits lifted. We hear, too, from conservative Muslims, who are offended by the game, especially its uniforms. The players might as well be naked, they say, about their shorts and T-shirts.
Beautifully shot, Zanzibar Soccer Queens also takes us into people’s homes, where we learn how food is prepared, but more important, how the lives of women who don’t get to play are constricted.
As the athletes train, improve and develop their friendships, Zanzibar Soccer Queens reveals new and wonderful reasons why soccer is truly the beautiful game.
CANADIAN SPORT FILM FESTIVAL Wednesday (May 14) to May 17. For venues, ticket info and complete lineup, see listings, this page, and www.sportfilmfestival.ca. 647-521-4978.