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Bahrain’s Goalden Girl documentary highlighting the national football squad has not only created a buzz across the island, but is also gaining international and regional recognition.
The film showcases how the kingdom’s footballing females started from the bottom and rose through the sporting ranks over time as well as grew a following...and now their story is striking up conversations and captivating audiences at different events, including the Saudi Film Festival where it is set to be screened soon.
“We wanted to tell a story and we did!” said the film’s producer Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa.
“That was the motivation behind the film, and being in festivals provides us the platform and means to get our message across regionally and internationally.
“We want to show how Bahraini women have the spirit to achieve whichever goal they put in front of them - whether it is in sport or in other industries.
“If they want to do something, they will have the perseverance and determination to see it through.”
The 12-minute short film features the head of the Women’s Football Committee and driving force behind the establishment of the team, Shaikha Hussa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, as well as interviews with different players such as former striker and defender and GDN assistant deputy news editor Reem Al Daaysi and goalkeeper Shaikha Nouf bint Khalid Al Khalifa.
Coach Khalid Al Harban, who managed the team for many years, is also in the film alongside family members, b-roll footage of the youth team playing, the first team training and archival footage of games that were televised, as well as newspaper clippings.
The film, which was screened privately and will not be streamed until it’s done from the festival circuit, has received rave reviews. It has been called an inspirational movie that comes from the heart.
Goalden Girls has also been accepted in the Saudi Film Festival set to begin tomorrow (May 4).
“We are proud to say we have been selected for the Saudi Film Festival, where over a hundred projects were submitted and only 28 were selected, of which we are among them,” Shaikha Dwa said.
“It really is an honour and a source of pride. I would like to thank every entity that supported this film in production and getting it done.”
The festival will open tomorrow at the impressive Ithra Centre and Museum in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and will run until May 11, boasting workshops and talks regarding the film industry.
The film has also been submitted to top festivals in the US and Europe including a sports film festival in Italy, an Arab Film Festival in Casablanca and a New York Indie Film festival, among others.
