The story itself is unfortunately an old one – as old as organized armed conflict is in human history. In possibly an Eastern European city (actually filmed in Minneapolis) the story is revealed through a group of children playing soccer in the middle of a modern urban civil war. Without sentimentality or moralizing, we are shown the devastating effects of war on our human spirit and our human condition. Because of the skill and ability of the film maker, the story is is not reduced to an intellectual experience that we (the viewers/witnesses)can easily put aside. We are drawn(very skillfully) so deep into this intensely compelling story, that we enter fully into the world of those children. We walk away from the film profoundly moved and with the unavoidable and deep insight into what war really is and how it perpetuates itself.

The experience that seeing this film creates (and it does create a very real experience) is too faceted and multi-dimensional to be adequately described in a few short sentences. Great art seldom can be sufficiently described without distortion. I can only recommend having the experience itself. I can not, however, refer to this film as “entertainment” (unless you love great films or great art). But I can say that it is an amazing experience and one that I would not want to miss. In time, it may be said that it is an “important” film as well.

John Chionis (Sedona, AZ)

Post Script – I do not know the film maker or any of the creators of or participants in this film. I did have the pleasure of meeting and talking briefly with the film maker. A person humble and unpretentious as he is gifted. If you read his blog section you will get a feel for him. Wow… is all I can say. I look forward to being able to obtain a dvd of this film and I look forward to his future works. Bravo!

This post was mentioned on Twitter by anasplayground: Ana’s Playground announces screening time for Northern Ireland / Foyle Film Festival. http://bit.ly/3q5Gxs...