SEATTLE — Soccer fans and feel-good movie audiences can unite over new comedy "Next Goal Wins."
Co-written and directed by Oscar winner Taika Waititi, the movie is based on the true story of American Samoa’s national soccer team – considered one of the weakest in the world.
After a brutal World Cup loss (31-0,) the team brings a new coach on board with the mission of scoring just one goal.
One of the players, Jaiyah Saelua, has a pivotal role both as an athlete and inspiration for the coach and team. Saelua is a fa'afafine, a third gender recognized in Samoan culture – and the first openly non-binary trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Entertainment reporter Kim Holcomb spoke with the real-life Saelua and Waititi about making the film.
HOLCOMB: "Some of the soccer in this film was so bad that I wondered if it's even more difficult to create that on-screen than it would be someone making a goal?"
WAITITI: "There's a lot of Samoan actors from New Zealand who came out to play parts in the film. Our game in New Zealand is rugby, and a lot of islands in the Pacific, rugby is the main game. When they came out, a lot of them said, 'Oh should we learn how to play soccer for the film?' I said, 'Don't learn a thing, just stay exactly as you are.' So, what you're seeing is actually them being themselves, trying to play soccer. And they couldn't play soccer to save themselves."
HOLCOMB: "[The movie] is 'inspired by a true story but pretty much actually happened.’ Jaiya, what do you think this film got perfectly right?”
SAELUA: “The main things. The sensitivities of the Samoan fa’afafine, the importance of community and culture. Those things carry over into Taika's version."
HOLCOMB: "Taika, you have such an amazing catalog and history of telling these incredibly moving and funny underdog stories. But the truth is, you aren't one. You're one of the best directors and writers in Hollywood, you're modeling designer clothing. How do you reconcile this with yourself?”
WAITITI: “I'm glad you mentioned the modeling designer clothing. I believe it was a little brand named Hermes. (laughter) I forget that's just another thing I do. But look, growing up in a colonized country as a young Māori, I felt like you're always the underdog when you're growing up. You've got to work harder to get noticed, you've got to work harder to get work. You've got to work harder to get ahead and be part of the conversation. I didn't start making films until I was 30. I'd say the first 35 years of my life I was an underdog. But I've always been good looking, so that's been fine. (laughter)"
HOLCOMB: "What would you say is your greatest loss, looking back, that really helped you gain exactly what it was that you needed?”
WAITITI: “Great question! I'd say a lot of love. You know, losing love helps you grow. And, maybe my childhood? I think growing up is the danger of losing your innocence and losing the playfulness of being a child. And once that was gone, I had to really fight to hold on to whatever I could to stay playful. And that's, I think, why I make the films I make and I make them the way I make them, in a very playful way - because I'm still trying to hold on, I'm trying to get that back."
He shares that sense of childhood wonder and joy with audiences in “Next Goal Wins,” a truly feel-good movie.
“Next Goal Wins” is rated PG-13 and is out on Blu-Ray and DVD.
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