Zanzibar soccer Queens (2007)

Sub-Genres - Biography, Social Issues, Sports  |   Run Time - 55 min.  |   Countries - United Kingdom  |  
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Synopsis by Mark Deming

In the African nation of Zanzibar, soccer is by far the country's most popular sport, and most young men there play the game, if only at the playground or in the schoolyard. However, in a primarily Muslim society, women are not encouraged to take part in competitive sports, but this is beginning to change as a growing number of women's soccer teams are being established. In the documentary Zanzibar Soccer Queens, filmmaker Florence Ayisi follows a season with the "Women Fighters," an all-female team that's been in business since 1988. Nassra Juma Mohammed, head coach for the "Women Fighters," acts as den mother and counselor for her athletes, who often play not just for the fun but to strike a blow for their own freedom and to deal with various traumas in their lives. Competition also gives these athletes a much-needed dose of self-esteem as well as sense of unity with their teammates that enhances nearly every aspect of their lives. Zanzibar Soccer Queens received its American premiere at the 2007 Hawaii Film Festival.

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