NYFA Documentary Grad Wins Jury Prize at DOC NYC

November 19, 2015

soccer granniesNew York Film Academy’s Documentary Department is proud to announce that NYFA grad Lara-Ann de Wet‘s Alive and Kicking has been awarded the prestigious “SPIRITED STORYTELLING” JURY PRIZE at this year’s DOC NYC!

As such, there will be an encore screening with all DOC NYC U award-winning films tonight at 7.30pm at the IFC Center in New York City.

Filmed in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa, Alive and Kicking takes us on an emotional journey as the “soccer grannies” take on centuries of taboo simply by playing soccer. Through their camaraderie on the field, the grandmothers erupt into laughter and traditional song, fueling their singular struggle towards decent lives, health and a taste of joy in an otherwise harsh and desolate world.

Director and former NYFA documentary student, Lara-Ann de Wet says she wanted to create a film that celebrates the spirit of African women, as they are often overlooked as the heroes of their society.

Alive & Kicking Trailer from Lara-Ann de Wet on Vimeo.

“How can you not fall in love with the ‘soccer grannies’?  In lesser hands, this could have easily become a tragic tale of harsh, nearly unthinkable lives,” said NYFA Documentary Chair, Andrea Swift. “But that would have missed the heart of the story — and of the grannies. So much joy and resilience and insistence on life. You almost forget the pain and brutality of their world. So do they, as soon as that whistle blows.”

Limited seats still available: BUY TICKETS HERE