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16th DMZ Docs(2024)

I AM DOCU



Smari GUNN, Logi SIGURSVEINSSON

  • Iceland
  • 2023
  • 79min
  • G
  • DCP
  • color

Asian Premiere

Synopsis

The Home Game is a feel-good underdog story about an Icelander's clumsy attempt to complete his father's failed mission: to finally get their beloved fishing village a home game on the unused football pitch he built 25 years prior.

Review

The Home Game is a heartwarming documentary set in a tiny Icelandic fishing village of just 300 residents, where locals have built their own soccer field. This compelling narrative weaves together themes of ambitious dreams, setbacks, filial determination, and the power of community spirit, all against the backdrop of Iceland's stark, beautiful landscape. At the center of the story is Kári, the driving force behind the Hellissandur village soccer team, Reynir. His mission is twofold: to host an FA Cup match on the field his father built 25 years ago, and to overcome the lingering shadow of a 10-0 defeat that drove his father away from the sport. The film chronicles the revival of a green soccer field amidst barren snowscapes, as a diverse team of middle-aged men, youngsters, and women comes together. Despite facing regulatory challenges that prohibit mixed-gender teams, their perseverance ultimately secures them a spot in the FA Cup, leading to their long-awaited first home game. Told with Iceland's characteristic understatement, the film's charm lies in its simplicity and restraint. Yet, it manages to capture the profound drama inherent in sports, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The true miracle of this story isn't found in victory or defeat, but in the extraordinary choices of a community that unites to support each other's dreams and aspirations.

Director

  • Smari GUNN

    Born in Iceland. Smari Gunn is a writer and director. After receiving a BA training in European Theatre Arts, Smari began creating his own work and further honed his writing skills in the UK through initiatives at the NFTS and BFI Network. His directorial debut, Babel Ltd. (2014) received acclaim at numerous film festivals worldwide. The Home Game is his first feature-length film.

  • Logi SIGURSVEINSSON

    Logi Sigursveinsson studied screenwriting and directing at the Icelandic Film School and works freelance as a cinematographer, editor and vfx artist. The Home Game is his first feature-length film.

Credit

  • ProducerStephanie THORPE, Heather MILLARD, Elfar ADALSTEINS, Freyja KRISTINSDOTTIR
  • Cinematography Logi SIGURSVEINSSON
  • Editor Logi SIGURSVEINSSON, Smari GUNN
  • Music Kristjan Sturla BJARNASON