KICKOFF

Roser Corella, Stefano Obino, Germany, 2025, 77 Min., documentary, Kyrgyz with English subtitles

Baking bread, farming fields, weaving carpets, raising children, providing first aid—Kyrgyz women are truly multi-talented, yet trapped in traditional roles. Something unique is happening in the remote village of Kök-Tash: 80 women are gathering to compete against each other in a self-organized soccer tournament with the help of an activist. This is only possible because they support each other with housework, childcare, and everyday chores, allowing them to train together every evening until the tournament. But it’s about much more than victory: through courage, cohesion, and solidarity, they are shaking up patriarchal structures—a prime example of female solidarity, a tribute to women who break social taboos, and a visually captivating experience.
Roser Corella and Stefano Obino (directors)
Roser Corella began her career as a video journalist before transitioning to self-produced documentaries. She is renowned for her visually compelling narratives centered on women, customary laws, labor, and migration. Her award-winning films — Machine Man, Prisoners of Kanun, Grab and Run, and Room Without a View — have been showcased at international festivals such as CPH:DOX, Hot Docs, Shanghai IFF, Thessaloniki IFF, among others.
Stefano Obino is a screenwriter and filmmaker recognized for his work across various formats, including independent films and docu-series. His debut feature, The Gospel According to Precario, received critical acclaim in Italy, and he later directed Nel paese dei Coppoloni, a finalist at the David di Donatello Awards. His most recent documentary, War Is Over, won an award at the Nastri d’Argento 2022. His upcoming projects continue to reflect his creative evolution.
Tickets: Fri, Oct. 31, 6:45 p.m.
In the presence of: Gazi Babaiarova (protagonist), Roser Corella (director) and Stefano Obino (director)
Berlin premiere
Tickets: Sun, Nov. 2, 7:15 p.m.
In the presence of: Roser Corella (director) and Stefano Obino (director)
KICKOFF premiered at the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival and was also screened at the Biograf International Film & Moving Arts Festival in Portugal.

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