Wolves’ nostalgic ‘LA Wolves’ documentary which looks back at when the club helped launch the beautiful game in the United States is set to headline the prestigious Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival in New York this March.
‘1967: When LA Wolves Conquered the USA’, a co-production between MUNDIAL and Wolves Studios, tells the incredible story of how Wolves’ Division Two champions provided the bedrock for a professional league and helped set the stage for today’s exploding soccer scene in the States, with the boys in gold and black claiming the inaugural United Soccer Association title.
More than 100 Films from across the world have been shortlisted for the 15th edition of the K+S Film Festival, taking place between 14th and 16th March, which showcases stories about unique ‘soccer journeys’ with the power to transform places, people and passions.
There will be three films headlining each night of the festival and LA Wolves has been given the honour to kick off the festival on Thursday 14th March as the main feature.
It will be supported by ‘Captains of Ukraine’, a poignant exploration of the difficult choices and circumstances that turn athletes into soldiers, ‘Sacred Turf’, which pays homage to those behind the scenes in football, ‘The Lost Dreams’, which tells the story of four sisters of Afghan origin who struggle to survive, but are inspired by their love of football and Cristiano Ronaldo, and ‘Oor Wally’, which explores the life and times of a Scottish football mascot.
Being one of the featured films, LA Wolves is also in contention to be named the overall festival winner and has the chance to claim the ‘Golden Whistle’ award.
Russell Jones, Wolves’ general manager for marketing and commercial growth, said: “We are delighted to have ‘1967: When LA Wolves Conquered the USA’ shortlisted as a feature film for the prestigious K&S film festival in New York.
“It sits alongside securing distribution through the Discovery Network and NBC as testament to an incredible story and the superb quality of production led by Owen Blackhurst, James Bird and the MUNDIAL team.
“My special thanks to the judging committee at the K+S Film Festival for the nomination and to the Wolves Studios team, led by Yannie Makarounas and Laurence Scott, who have worked tirelessly alongside MUNDIAL to bring this story to the public’s attention.
“Throughout history, Wolves have proved that our impact on the evolution of the game is unparalleled, and this is another example of that innovative ambition which is deep rooted in the club’s DNA.
“Congratulations again to the team, and we look forward to celebrating the film festival alongside the other amazing nominations, as well as our friends, partners and fans in New York City in March.”
The 2024 K+S Film Festival will take place at the Football Cafe, a new soccer cultural centre founded by former US men’s national team and MLS player Kyle Martino which is located in the heart of New York’s downtown soccer scene.
The festival will feature panel discussions, special guests and cultural events, and is also set to show several shorts and features, such as fellow headliners ‘The Home Game’, an Icelandic tale regarding what happened when a regulation soccer pitch was created in the tiny fishing village of Hellissandur, and ‘The United Way’, co-written by Eric Cantona, which explores the history of Manchester United.
K+S co-founder cofounder Rachel Markus said: “The soccer film scene is exploding right now, and, as always, we are thrilled to bring some of the best to fans in New York.
“The transformative power of soccer really comes to life in this year’s lineup, showing us how one person, one moment, or one idea can change not only the game, but also the culture within which the game exists.
“It’s thrilling and inspiring, and we believe the amazing NYC soccer community will love these stories.”
Supporters from across the world can watch ‘1967: When LA Wolves Conquered the USA’ here.
