Lutar, lutar, lutar

Every football club should have a couple of fanatical fans like respected Brazilian filmmakers Sérgio Borges and Helvécio Marins Jr., both of whom have had feature films presented in Rotterdam. They started making this candidly passionate, compelling documentary in 2013 when their club, Clube Atlético Mineiro – better known as Galo – finally won the Copa Libertadores. Not only as an homage to legendary, underrated players such as Reinaldo – who may have been an even better footballer than Pelé. But also to shine a light on decades of injustice, of just missing out on trophies, of arbitrary opposition and racism that allowed the powers that be to consistently and unfairly favour the big clubs from Rio de Janeiro. The fans’ passion is heightened by the film’s sound and images, which transmit their love powerfully to the viewer. Finally, and appropriately for this kind of epic story, love for the club and for the game win the day: in this case, with a little help from Ronaldinho. (International Film Festival Rotterdam)