Pelada

Beyond the confines of professional arenas, dazzling lights, and pristine fields, there exists another dimension of soccer. Hidden away in alleyways, side streets, and on concrete courts, individuals engage in spontaneous matches. Each nation has its own term for this. In the U.S., it’s known as “pick-up soccer.” In Trinidad, it’s referred to as “taking a sweat.” In England, they call it “having a kick-about.” In Brazil, the term is “pelada,” which translates to “naked”—a game reduced to its essence. This is the form of soccer played by anyone, anywhere, offering a glimpse into lives across the globe. “Pelada” is a documentary that follows Luke and Gwendolyn, two former college soccer stars who never quite reached the professional level. Unwilling to let go of the game, they embark on a journey, pursuing soccer wherever it leads. From inmates in Bolivia to illicit alcohol makers in Kenya, from freestyle players in China to women playing in hijabs in Iran, “Pelada” tells the story of those who play the game.