Los Angeles
Taika Waititi’s new film Next Goal Wins is based on the true story of the American Samoa soccer team, known for their infamous 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. The story was previously documented in the 2014 film of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. During the world premiere of Next Goal Wins at the Toronto Film Festival, Waititi admitted to taking some creative liberties in adapting the story for the screen. I had to twist the truth, he told the audience, humorously adding, Otherwise, watch the documentary. The film follows the American Samoa team as they hire coach Thomas Rongen (played by Michael Fassbender) in the hope of improving their performance in the World Cup Qualifiers. Waititi described the film as being about finding one’s family, even if not related by blood, emphasizing the theme of finding your tribe. The film’s cast includes Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, and Lehi Falepapalangi. However, none of the stars were able to attend the festival due to ongoing labor strikes in the industry. Instead, Waititi was joined by the real-life inspiration for Fassbender’s character, as well as Jaiyah Saelua, portrayed by Kaimana. Saelua is a faʻafafine, a third gender in Polynesian society, and is the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in the FIFA World Cup. Their presence at the premiere was met with a heartfelt standing ovation.
