A football movie directed by New Zealand’s award-winning Taika Waititi is about to open in local cinemas.
Next Goal Wins, based on the true story of the American Samoa national team, has opened for previews and will go to general release on Thursday December 7.
Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, it tells the tale of the team’s search for redemption after being hammered 31-0 by Australia, the biggest defeat in an international fixture.
In a bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, American Samoa hire down-on-his-luck coach Thomas Rongen and the fun starts at the first training session.
Rongen is played by Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender and the supporting cast, drawn from local actors, includes Oscar Kightley, David Fane and Rachel House.
Americans Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss also have parts.
The screenplay is written by Waititi and Ian Morris, with the movie directed by Waititi whose previous works include Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok and the Oscar-winning Jojo Rabbit.
When The Crowd Goes Wild
Meet some of the cast in this story by WTCGW:
The Project
Taika Waititi and cast member Kaimana appear as guests on The Project:
Official trailer
Here’s what to expect from Next Goal Wins:
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