Kicking and Screening : Once in a Lifetime Review

Kicking and Screening is the worlds foremost international football film festival and between the 23rd and the 25th of September the luxurious Everyman Cinemas will play host to some of the most celebrated football movies.

The opening night showcases 'Once in a Lifetime'; a film whose subject matter we explored in issue one of the Green Soccer Journal, documenting the story of the New York Cosmos.

Matt Dillon narrates the tale of how the Cosmos introduced football to America. From spray-painting the pitch green for Pele's first game, to packing out the 80,000 seat 'Giants Stadium' for his last, we see the rapid growth of football in America reach its peak and its subsequent trough. Although being without an interview with talisman Pele, 'Once in a lifetime' gives us an insight into how one man managed to win over a country with a ball at his feet.

The story is re-told with interviews from Ahmet Ertegun, a founder of the Cosmos, and Jay Emmett, the vice president of Warner communications during the Cosmos era, however it would be empty without the extensive archive footage that was available. With the best footballer in the world arriving on the shores of New York City, there was a feeling that something extraordinary was about to happen. George Tiedeman, of sports illustrated fame, provided perfectly timed shots of Chinaglia celebrating yet another goal, as well as the iconic image of Pele holding the Brazilian and American flags whilst on the shoulders of his team mates. Goalkeeper Shep Messing was responsible for many of the behind the scenes photography that creates the feeling that you are in the 'locker room' experiencing the excitement first hand.

Despite the disbanding of the Cosmos and the sport not sustaining a level of popularity in the US, the film ends on a positive note, that the Cosmos planted seeds of interest in the sport that we have seen grow into a successful 'World Cup 94', the MLS and an impressive national side.

Images by George Tiedemann courtesy of Corbis

Festival Schedule

ONCE IN A LIFETIME: Belsize Park, 9PM, Sept 23

The extraordinary story of the New York Cosmos. With special guests Shep Messing, Charlie Aitken and Terry Byrne (Vice Chairman, NY Cosmos) plus Opening Night after-show party.

Also showing: exclusive PRE-WAR NYC & COSMOS TODAY FOOTAGE (Shorts)

**UK PREMIERE** MATCH 64: Belsize Park, 10.30AM, Sept 24 (Kid’s Club)

Inside the 2010 World Cup Final. Presented with Arsenal In The Community, with kids’ coaching and games from 9AM

**UK PREMIERE** RISE AND SHINE: THE JAY DEMERIT STORY: Hampstead, 2.30PM, Sept 25

A real American dream, with special guests from Watford FC.

Also showing: KINGSMEADOW (Short)

ARGENTINA FUTBOL CLUB: Hampstead. 6PM, Sept 26

Football’s fiercest rivalry: Boca versus River. Introduced by Marcela Mora Y Araujo.

Also showing: PORQUE HAY COSAS QUE NUNCA SE OLVIDAN (Short)

ONE NIGHT IN TURIN: Baker Street, 9PM, Sept 26

We’re singing for England. Introduced by Jason Solomons, with director James Erskine and special guests.

Also showing: ONE NIGHT AT THE EMIRATES (Short)

THE TWO ESCOBARS: Hampstead, 6PM, Sept 27

Life, death and football in Colombia 1994

**UK PREMIERE** CUANDO FUIMOS CAMPEONES: Baker Street, 9PM, Sept 27

How Spain conquered the world. Introduced by Guillem Balague, with Gaizka Mendieta.

Also showing: 15 MINUTES THAT SHOOK THE WORLD (Short)

**UK PREMIERE** THE OTHER CHELSEA: Baker Street, 6PM, Sept 28

The Orange Revolution versus Shakhtar Donetsk. Introduced by Jonathan Wilson.

Also showing: SIVAN (Short)

**UK PREMIERE** SOKA AFRIKA: Belsize Park, 9PM, Sept 28

Which way to Europe? The traffic in African talent. Presented with Kick It Out, featuring guest speakers and discussion.

Also showing: 0:0 (Short)

ESCAPE TO VICTORY: Islington, 9PM, Sept 29

30th anniversary screening of the most famous football movie ever made. Presented with The Bobby Moore Fund and Stephanie Moore, with special guests including Ossie Ardiles, Mike Summerbee, Russell Osman, fund-raising and Closing Night after-show party

For more information visit Kicking and Screening

Comments

[phaedra]

I've watched "Once in a Lifetime" with my 11 yr-old son several times now. It's important for young players to have some idea of the history of "the beautiful game" here in the USA. Thank you for doing this review.