How do seven young people, former street children from Romania, get to see the Pacific Ocean? On 1 December 2008, a Romanian national team participates for the first time in the Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. The film follows the team from the formation of the squad to the end of the championship. The young people are from Timisoara and Arad, runaway children who now live in abandoned houses or who have managed to get a job and live in rented accommodation after going through orphanages or prisons. After taking a beating from many teams, the young Romanians manage to beat the USA. They are happy. They are all thinking of never going "home" again. It's warm and nice here, the people are nice. "In case I stay, I kissed you all!" says one of them cautiously. But after taking pictures of themselves on the beach with the ocean behind them and beautiful girls by their side, the seven return to Romania and get on with their lives.
Direction
Mitcu's patient observation lets moments breathe without manipulation.
Writing
The kids' own words carry the entire narrative weight.
Director
Claudiu Mitcu
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of Romania's 'New Wave' documentary tradition—social realism without sentimentality, influenced by directors like Cristi Puiu.
The Homeless World Cup's actual mission is 'ending homelessness through football'—the film quietly interrogates whether that's possible or even honest.
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